Rose Gildner - Witous

Rose Gildner-Witous, 81, of Springfield, died at 4:28 am, Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at River Birch Senior Living. She was born February 25, 1932 in Ashkum, IL to James and Agnes McCarthy Donovan. She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband August R. Gildner in 1978 and second husband John “Jack” Witous in 2007, two brothers, James and Joseph Donovan and one sister, Mary Haas.

Rose was the loving mother of 8 children: Theresa (Doug) Mosser of Highland Park, Julie Rechner of Springfield, Laura (Tripper) Phipps of Bloomington and Mary (John) Davis of Springfield; four sons, A. Robert (Cathy) Gildner, Jr. of Columbia, SC, James (Libby) Gildner of Springfield, William Gildner of Knoxville, TN and Joseph (Beth) Gildner of Bainbridge Island, WA; grandmother of 29, great grandmother of 6 with twins on the way, two sisters, Agnes (Jim) Yeakel of Destin, FL and Ann Higgins of Chenoa; one brother, John (Jane) Donovan of Albany, OR.

She attended St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN and has been a resident of Springfield most of her life.

Rose was a member of Christ the King Church, St. Joseph’s Coterie, Island Bay Yacht Club and Sangamo Club.

Rose so loved her family and treasured her many friendships. She loved singing and dancing at family gatherings. Rose was devoted to her Catholic faith and cherished her visits to The University of Notre Dame and St. Mary’s College.

Gathering: 10am – 11 am, Friday, December 6, 2013 at Christ the King Church.

Memorial Mass: 11:00 am Friday, December 6, 2013 at Christ the King Church with Reverend Joseph Ring and Monsignor David Lantz concelebrating. Burial will follow at a later date at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Bloomington, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to River Birch Senior Living House #3 or St. Joseph’s Coterie.