CLINTON — Harriett Louise Gash, 96, of Clinton, passed away on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at St. John’s Hospital, in Springfield.
She was born on January 26, 1928, in Valentine, Neb., to Harry H. and Mary R. (nee Adams) Kirkman, and was raised in Ainsworth, Neb. She married Charles W. Gash on July 25, 1945, at the St. John’s Episcopal Church, in Decatur.
Harriett was very musically talented from a young age. As a teen, she was frequently asked to perform and play her marimba at many different functions and played trumpet with her high school band. She liked to bake, sew, read, and mow her yard. She also liked to drive her golf cart around the farm, where she helped her husband, and enjoy the outdoors. Harriett was known for her sharp wit and infectious laugh.
She worked for 27 years as a mental health supervisor at Lincoln Development Center and was a longtime member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Lincoln. Harriett was a loving Christian wife, mother and grandmother, who loved being with her children and grandchildren, most of all.
Harriett is survived by her children, Ronald Gash of Clinton, Marilyn (husband L.E.) Thornley, of Tallula, Ill., and Janice (husband Jim) Rickman of Paducah, Ky.; her grandchildren, Andrew Reaves, A.J. Reaves and Chiara Gash; her great-grandchildren, Aidan Reaves, Lola Reaves and Cyrus Reaves; her sister, Jeanne Jagielski; and a niece, Belva Nicholson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; her parents; and four siblings, John Kirkman, Ardeth Kirkman, Royce Jordan and Meredith Pederson.
A private family graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery, in Clinton.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Danville VA Medical Center, 1900 E. Main St, Danville, IL 61832.
The family would like to share their heartfelt gratitude to Jim Poll from Tallula Christian Church for his many visits to our beloved mother, as well as the chaplains from St. John Hospital, in Springfield, for their comfort.
Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg, Ill., is assisting Harriett’s family with final arrangements. Please visit hurleyfh.com for Harriett’s online obituary, where you may also leave condolences and share memories with her family.
