Waneta Maecille Gillespie

Waneta (Neta) M. Gillespie, 86 years old, passed away on December 2, 2024, at Windmill Ponds in Alexandria, Minnesota surrounded by family.

Neta was born at home in Alexandria, Minnesota on July 16, 1938 to Clifford and Myrtle (Casebeer) Morse. She attended Alexandria High School and was a graduate of the class of 1956. In November of 1959, Neta married her high school sweetheart, Ezra Dale Gillespie, and they were blessed with 3 children. Ezra and Neta were married for 56 years, and the Gillespie family lived in California, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Maryland, Florida, and Texas while Ezra served in the U.S. Navy.

In her lifetime, Neta worked various positions in healthcare, including many years as the supervisor of admissions/emergency room clerks at Douglas County Hospital. She retired in 1998, but continued to volunteer in the hospital’s gift shop. After retirement, Ezra and Neta enjoyed vacationing in Arizona in the winter. Neta’s hobbies included visiting the casino, playing card games, taking walks and spending time with friends and family.

Remaining to cherish Neta’s memory are her sister-in-law, Ruth (Ed) Hocke of Windom, MN; her children, Patrick Dale Gillespie of Wausau, WI, Terry Lane (Dawn) Gillespie of Brandon, MN, and Lori Ann (Joseph) Faust of Alexandria, MN; her grandchildren, Christopher (Lori) Gillespie of Brandon, MN, Taylor (Amy) Gillespie of Brandon, MN, Jeniece Faust of Aberdeen, SD, Alyssa (Tom) Bouressa of Waseca, MN, and Mikaela (Adam) Faust of Minnetrista, MN; and her great-grandchildren, Aaron Gillespie, Dustin Gillespie, Haley Gillespie, Grace Faust, Eden Faust, KJ Vance, Andrew Vance, William Bouressa, James Bouressa, and Astoria Lund, other relatives and friends.

Neta is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ezra Gillespie; her parents, Clifford and Myrtle Morse; her brothers and sisters; as well as other relatives and friends.

To honor Waneta's life a visitation will take place at the Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory located at 659 Voyager Drive NW, Alexandria, MN 56308. on December 7, 2024, at 1:00 PM followed by a memorial service starting at 2:00 PM.

Waneta will be deeply missed, yet her spirit will forever reside in the hearts of her loved ones, reminding them of the beauty of a life well-lived.