Glenda Gilliland

Glenda Gay Gilliland, daughter of the late Glen and Clara (Williamson) Rice, was born June 3, 1959, in Appleton City, Missouri, and departed this life May 22, 2025, at Life Care Center of Waynesville, Missouri.

Glenda grew up in Appleton City and graduated from Appleton City High School. She worked at her mom’s café after high school and later worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for many years. She was united in marriage to Don Gilliland on December 8, 1986, and two sons were born to this union, Kyle and Cody. Glenda later worked in retail for many years at Subway, Walmart, and Dollar General as long as she was able.

Glenda’s hobbies included sewing and crocheting. She also enjoyed watching TV shows like The Andy Griffith Show and Leave It To Beaver throughout the years, and in recent years she enjoyed The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon. However, her absolute favorite and most important hobby was spoiling her grandchildren.

Glenda was very outspoken, and she always let you know her opinion. She had a big heart, a big mouth, and was fiercely loyal! She loved her family dearly and she would do anything for them. Taking care of her children and grandchildren was her biggest priority in life.

Glenda was preceded in death by her parents, Glen and Clara Rice, and one nephew, Chad Rice.

She is survived by two sons, Kyle Gilliland and his fiancée, Elizabeth, and Cody Gilliland, one daughter-in-law, Sabrina Gilliland, seven grandchildren, Shyanna Croney, MiKyla Gilliland, Keon Gilliland, Amara Ford, Dakota Perkins, Rosie Perkins, and Jaxon Gilliland, two brothers, Gary Rice and Terry Rice, and many other extended family and friends who will miss her.