Mary Elizabeth Gilliss

Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Gilliss, 92, passed away peacefully on the evening of July 17, 2015 in Castle Rock, Colorado. Betty was a beloved sister, mother, grandma, and great-grandma. She filled the hearts of family and friends with much love, joy, and laughter during her time with us. Betty survived her older sister Vivian and fraternal twin sister Anne. She also survived her first husband Randall Graham Gilliss, and late husband Rocco Tramutolo. Betty was born on August 27th, 1922 in Cincinnati Ohio, where she earned her first Bachelor's degrees and teaching certification. She taught in Cincinnati for 6 years, then moved to Park Ridge, IL where she taught for another 5 years. In 1969, after Graham's death, Betty moved to Denver and continued teaching while obtaining a Master's degree. Betty taught at Dalton, Crawford, and Sable elementary and West Middle schools. Concurrent with teaching, Betty was elected to the State Board of Education in 1979 and retired from 28 years of teaching in 1987. Betty found great joy in entertaining family and friends at her home. She treasured the intimate connection of having friends and family members under one roof. She was passionately devoted to her family and will always be remembered for her warm, loving and generous nature. Betty is survived by her daughter Donna and son Randall (Fatha); grandson Sam; great grandsons Brenden and Jason; and brother Ernest Beatty. Friends and family will gather to celebrate Betty's life and memory in late August. Please share condolences at HoranCares.com.