Gill, Barbara
Barbara Elaine Gill, born August 11, 1933 in San Leandro, California passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at Adventist Health Sonora. Nickname by grandchildren “Baba”
Barbara was the great-great-granddaughter of Captain James Brown the founder of Brownsville, Utah.. now called Ogden, Utah and pioneer and helped start the Morman church. However, Barbara was involved in the Catholic Church later in life.
Raised in San Leandro California. Moved to Detroit Michigan in 1944 during WWII as her father worked for General Motors Co.
Moved back before Barbara was in high school where she graduated from San Leandro High School.
Barbara married John M. Gill in 1953. Barbara enjoyed going to camp, water ski, snowski & entertain in their new home in Montclair, California that Barbara designed. They had a full stage, bar, photography darkroom, movie projector room & theater seats for movies.
Fell in love with the Sonora area they decided to move in 1965 and go into business with Gills Electric. Where they designed & built another home in Scenic Brook Estates. In 1980, they gave their son, Bud Gill, Gills Electric business while they opened Sonora RV Center. Besides operating the business they would take off in one of many motorhomes they owned and travel with the Kings Highway Group they belonged to. Leaving their daughter, Lezli Gill, to run the R V. Center.
Baba was always telling us kids & grandkids & great-grandkids that always loved taking us up to Yosemite Lakes & elsewhere …. because we were “Making Memories”. Baba would tell us how important it will be when we grow up to be able to have all of these Memories forever & ever!!
Besides traveling Barbara was involved in several community events.. they ran the Sonora Fair destruction derby for years. I remember having to sit in that hot ticket booth selling tickets. Barbara was the leader of T.O.P.S. & enjoyed golfing, painting, sewing & making several special crochet afghans, coasters, dishcloths, potholders & baby blankets.
Barbara was always trying to make as many memories as she could for her family to always remember!!
Barbara was loved by everyone & called the favorite Auntie by all her nieces & nephews.
Since 2015 her daughter, Lezli, was her caregiver. In 2019 she moved in with her daughter, Lezli & son in law, Carl. Barbara always looked forward to her weekly outings with her daughter.. shopping & going to the local casinos.
Barbara is survived by her Daughter, Lezli Gill~Collins & son in law, Carl S.Collins of Cedar Ridge, California.
Her brother Jack M. Brown of Manteca.
She has 5 grandchildren: Jason M. Gill of Crescent City, California, Justin M. & Leigh Gill of Kentucky, Jerrin M. & Noelle Gill of Washington, Jessica Cook & Michael of Stockton, Devon Sutro~Blair & Richard of Brentwood park.
She has 11 great-grandchildren: Jordan M., Madison, Joseph M. & Sophia Gill of Crescent City, Ca., Hannah, Hailey, Evonne, Jefferson M. & Josef M. Gill of Kentucky, Jackson M. Gill of Washington, Faith Surto~Blair of Brentwood, Ca, Barbara preceded in death by her son, John M. “BUD” Gill Jr. in 2007 & her husband, John M. Gill in 1998. Both from Sonora.
Terzich & Wilson Funeral Home are handling the arrangements & at Barbara’s request, there will be no services.
Donations please be made to Diana J. White Cancer Center in Sonora.
- Date of Death: 05/04/2022
- Age: 88
- Residence: Sonora, CA
