Ruth P. 'Petie' Gilliland, 99, of Hutchinson, died Friday, January 12, 2018, at Hester Care Center, Hutchinson. She was born March 21, 1918, in Liberty, Missouri, to John F. and Ruth (Watkins) Peters.

Ruth graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1936 and William Jewell College, Liberty, Missouri, in 1940. She was involved in the PTA, served as a Cub Scout leader, the Hospital Auxiliary, and Prairie Dunes Ladies Golf Association. Ruth was a member of PEO Chapter D and First Presbyterian Church, where she served as a Sunday school teacher, deacon, and elder. She was a gracious hostess, and enjoyed entertaining at her home.

On August 8, 1942, she married Robert J. 'Bob' Gilliland in Hutchinson. He died April 14, 2007. They enjoyed 64 years of marriage, prior to Bob's death.

Ruth is survived by: son, Jim Gilliland and wife Karen of Hutchinson; daughter, Patty Crews of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Mason Gilliland and wife Amy, Heather Valerius and husband Troy, Kellie Brittingham and husband Ryan, Adam Crews and wife Angela, Lindsay Clements and husband Tyler, Jennifer Ediger and husband Mark, Whitney Barnes and husband T.J.; and 18 great-grandchildren. When asked what Ruth's greatest accomplishments in life were, she would always say her two children and seven grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; brother, John Paul Peters; and son-in-law, Franklin 'Buzz' Crews.

Memorial service will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, January 20, 2018, at First Presbyterian Church, 201 E. Sherman, Hutchinson, with the Reverend Mark H. Miller officiating. Private family burial will take place in Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary. The casket will remain closed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund or Hutchinson Community College Endowment Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.