Viola "Vi" Gilmore

Viola “Vi” Tallman Gilmore, 88, of Kankakee passed July 20th, 2023 at Riverside-Miller Rehabilitation Center. She was born on June 18th, 1935 in Wichert, IL to Jacob and Anna (Knynsberg) Tallman. Vi married David Gilmore on August 20th, 1967 in Bloomington. He precedes her in death as of January 11th, 1999. Vi graduated from St. Anne Community High School and went on to receive her bachelor’s from the University of Illinois. Vi enjoyed most of her career as a journalist, “Features” writer, and photographer at the Daily Pantagraph Newspaper in Bloomington-Normal. Vi and her husband, David, enjoyed extensive traveling, gardening, and church activities. The two of them loved growing hybrid tomatoes (especially the seedless variety) and perennials. They were members of the Protestant Church and volunteered with various activities there. Vi was an avid reader and was a member of her local Book Club. She also has enjoyed playing board games, doing all kinds of puzzles, and crafts. She has always been a very talented cook and baker. She was well known for her delicious home-made soups and Grape Pie! Vi loved Gospel and Country Western music and has attended many concerts. One of her favorite presentations is The Gaither Homecoming Family. She collected many CDs of her favorite artists. Vi is survived by several nieces and nephews; Judy (Richard) Oosterhoff of Bourbonnais, Terry (Dianne) Schaafsma of Bourbonnais, Bruce (Bonnie) Schaafsma of Momence, and Tamara Schaafsma (Patrick Weber) of Iowa; great nieces and nephews, Chad (Melissa) Fasig of Bloomington, Dr. Amy Fasig (Forrest Wing) of Washington, Misty Fasig of Washington, Kate Schaafsma (Nicholas Hornyak) of Wisconsin, Drew (Ashlee) Schaafsma of Lemont, IL, Anna (Jeremy) Landrie of Momence, Sally (Jospeh) Brogan of Momence, Jacob (Citlali) Schaafsma of Momence, Belinda (Scott) Ferguson of Georgia, Arthur Sells of Iowa; and many cousins. Vi is preceded in death by her husband, parents, one brother LeRoy Tallman, and one sister and brother-in-law Mildred “Milly” (Arthur C.) Schaafsma. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 28th at 10am at Clancy- Gernon funeral home in Bourbonnais. Chaplain Craig Crombar will officiate the service. An inurnment will follow immediately afterwards at Oakwood Cemetery in Wichert, IL. Memorials may be made to Uplifted Care in Bourbonnais. Please sign the guestbook at www.ClancyGernon.com.

Viola "Vi" Gilmore

June 18, 1935 - July 20, 2023