Martha Gail Gilleece, 84, of Valley Falls, KS, passed away Friday, August 25, 2023 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka. She was born April 19, 1939 west of Holton, KS, the daughter of Jesse Miles Laverne and Loreen (Elkinton) Hayden.

Martha graduated from Valley Falls High School in 1957 and attended Stewart College of Cosmetology in Topeka where she graduated in 1958. Martha worked as a cosmetologist for over 60 years and owned and operated Elm Street Hair port for 8 years.

She was a member of Valley Falls Christian Church, Valley Falls Saddle Club and Jefferson County 4-H.

She married Veryle Dean Gilleece on June 27, 1959 at Coal Creek Methodist Church in Valley Falls. He preceded her in death on July 25, 2020. She was also preceded in death by her parents, LaVerne and Lorene Hayden; 2 sons, Eldon and Delbert Gilleece; a sister, Kay Cook and a granddaughter Amy Gilleece Cummings.
Survivors include 2 children, Greg Gilleece of Isabel, KS and Kris Carothers; 2 brothers, Galen “Bud” Hayden of Valley Falls, KS and Ted Hayden of Paola, KS; 6 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and one on the way.

Memorial Graveside Service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 16, 2023 at the Valley Falls Cemetery. Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be given to the Jefferson County 4-H c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.