Katelynn, Ronald, & Joshua Gillard's Obituary
On May 27, 2022, Katelynn "Dolly" Gillard's short life was taken away tragically. Katelynn Marie Gillard was born on August 23, 2015, in Big Rapids to Dawn Gillard, adding to the joy of the family. Dolly was a character that didn't fit in any box, enjoying a raucous game of cops and robbers in her SWAT shirt as much as playing with her dolls and dressing up in her 'girly clothes'. She loved to paint and color but playing outside with her siblings was best of all for Katelynn. She quickly became a tough cookie in her short years by playing with her brothers. When her energy was spent, she loved getting refreshed with her favorite ramen noodles. Her few years on Earth will bring an eternal light to the heavens.
On May 27, 2022, at the age of 4, Ronald Charles Gillard lost his life with his mother and two siblings. Born on the 30th of June 2017, "Bugs" brought a summertime sort of light to his family. His little body was always in motion, riding his bike, or playing outside. If you found Bugs you would find his sidekick, little brother Josh, the two always seeming to be together playing or eating Mac n Cheese. He could be quiet when playing with his hot wheels or watching Paw Patrol, but his default setting was loud and outgoing - his little personality filling a room. He loved his family. His short time on Earth will bring a heavenly amount of love and memories.
His big little life coming to an end on May 27, 2022, Joshua Gabriel Gillard died at the age of 3. Born to Dawn Gillard on November 21, 2018, Joshua was a Thanksgiving gift for his family that year. True to his nickname, "Pluto", he could be found on the periphery always wanting to be in the open space of the outdoors, giving everyone a run for their money when it was time to come inside no matter the weather. Josh loved to talk, telling tall tales even if you couldn't decipher what he was saying. He was a joyful boy, riding his big wheel racing his Matchbox cars and eating a bowl of Mac n cheese with delight. What little time he was here on Earth will fill Eternity with love.
Katelynn, Ronald and Joshua are survived by siblings Hailey, Courtney, and Gunnar Salisbury, Charles Gillard Jr., and Kenneth Oliver; grandparents, Susan Founier, Robert Strang and Onalee Myers.
A Funeral service to honor Dawn, Katelynn, Ronald, and Joshua will be held Thursday, June 9th, at 11:00 am, at the Northland United Methodist Church in Stanwood, MI, with Pastor Gary Bondarenko officiating. Burial will follow in Stanwood Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 4-7pm., Wednesday, June 8th at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, and Thursday morning prior to services at the church. In lieu of flowers those desiring may direct memorial contributions to the family
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with support from Janowicz Family Funeral Home. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.
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