Mayebelle Bedell Gilfillan

Mayebelle was born in Woodbine, Georgia on July 28th 1929. She grew up in a close-knit family with a sister, two brothers and cousins nearby. She was a beautiful, talented, avid swimmer and delighted in teaching people to swim. Very athletic, she became a physical education teacher and taught at several schools, starting out in Woodbine and eventually alighting in Climax, Colorado. There she met her husband of 25 years, George Gilfillan. They had three children and moved from Climax/Leadville to Monte Vista in the San Luis Valley in 1966.

Mayebelle loved the Valley and was actively involved in the community. She served on the School Board of Monte Vista High School and was an energetic member of P.E.O., the Episcopal Church and the Monte Vista Historical Society; she also enjoyed working at Martinez Farms. Her favorite pastimes included outings with friends, camping with family and hiking in the nearby mountains. Mayebelle reveled in weekly hikes with the Silver Threaders (on snowshoes in the winter) for more than 20 years.

In her final years, Mayebelle was afflicted by Alzheimer's disease and ultimately succumbed to pancreatic cancer, surrounded by family. She is survived by three children, George, Susan and Tom (Lynn), and four grandchildren, Ginger, Darby, Tommy and Delaney. In lieu of a service, donations to La Puente would be greatly appreciated. http://lapuentehome.org/