LaReta B. Gillman

LaReta B. Gillman died on December 1, 2015 in the tender loving care of her husband Sam Neslen. After 94 years of kindness and giving love to all she knew, LaReta’s heart finally failed. She had had a rich full life. She was born on a farm in Blackfoot Idaho but grew up with her two sisters and four bothers in Salt Lake City. Her sister, Grace B. McNeil, and brother, Don R. Black, will miss her. She began her lifelong habit of caring for others at age 14 by giving up each Saturday to help care for the children of her older sister.

When she was 16, LaReta met the love of her life, Howard O. Gillman, in the foyer of South High while waiting for her best friend, Betty. Because her father would not let LaReta go on “real” dates, Howard became her Sunday beau by spending every Sunday sitting with her on the back porch swing of her loving home. Howard and LaReta were married in her family home in 1943 and remained together as partners in every way possible until Howard’s death in 1991. LaReta traveled with Howard throughout World War II in his cadet and pilot training. Twice LaReta sent Howard off to fly in the war, once for the European Theater and once for the Pacific Theater, and cried all the way back to Salt Lake City.

LaReta and Howard purchased Homer Abstract and Title in 1952 for $500.00 and renamed it Reliable Title. LaReta worked side by side with Howard in the title business for 39 years. They spent every day working together. LaReta used the profits from the business to give generously to all she knew.   

LaReta’s real joy in life was in supporting her son, Duane H. Gillman, and his children, Jason D. Gillman, Sean A. Gillman, and Brenna Jane Gillman in all their pursuits. From shagging balls hit at Duane’s batting practice ever Sunday morning when he was young, to reading from the Science & Health during Howard’s illness and  each challenge her son and grandchildren faced, LaReta was always there helping her family in any way she could. After marrying Sam Neslen in 2007, LaReta’s loving support extended to all of Sam’ children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was there to hold every new child born to this loving family. All members of Sam’s family were enriched by LaReta’s involvement in their lives. Despite failing heath, LaReta with the help of Sam, continued to help Duane by work at Duane’s law firm, Durham, Jones & Pinegar up until 2 weeks before her death.

Throughout her life, LaReta had a great passion for Utah football and golf. She attended almost all home games of the Utah football team from 1939 through the first game of this season. She also attended three of Utah’s bowl games. For 53 years LaReta and the members of her foursome played golf at Forest Dale Golf Course every Thursday. LaReta will be missed by the Utah fans around her at the games and all the staff and regular golfers at Forest Dale.

A viewing will be held at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 255 South 200 East in Salt Lake City, Utah on December 10, 2015 from 10:30a.m. until 11:30a.m. The funeral service will follow at the same location from 12:00p.m. to 1:00p.m. A grave dedication will follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.

 A celebration of LaReta’s life will be held at the Fort Douglas Officers Club, from approximately 2:30p.m. until 4:00p.m. on the day of the funeral, December 10, 2015. Food will be provided.  All who knew and were touched by LaReta’s love are invited to share their stories of how LaReta’s loving spirit touched their lives.   Online guestbook available at www.russonmortuary.com