Gaila (Grubb) Ross of Monticello, formerly of Tuscola, died on Monday, June 23, 2025, surrounded by her children and the dedicated staff at Piatt County Nursing Home.

A visitation is scheduled from 3 to 5 pm on Saturday, July 12 at the Tuscola United Methodist Church. A private family inurnment will follow.

Gaila was born on May 13, 1940, the daughter of Floyd and Mildred (Lane) Grubb. She moved from Mechanicsburg, IL to Tuscola in 1952 and lived there 60 years. She married Fred Ross on July 21, 1963. He preceded her in death on December 30, 2020.

Also preceding her in death were her parents, and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Virgil and Mary (Larmore) Ross of Tuscola.

Gaila is survived by her daughters Katrina (Deon) Chester of Tuscola; Susanna (Michael) Williams of Carmel, IN; and son Jeremy (Sarah) Ross of Monticello. Also surviving are grandchildren Olivia and Donovan Chester; Lillian and Alexis Williams (Tyler Eberth); Mary Grace, William and Rachel Ross; her brother Tom (Pam) Grubb of Wesley Chapel, FL; and her sister-in-law Carolyn (David) Pruett of Tuscola.

Gaila graduated from Tuscola Community High School in 1958. She received a bachelor's degree in the teaching of mathematics in 1962, and a master's degree in education in 1967, both from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She received a fellowship from the then US Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to study educational psychology as part of her master's degree. She taught fifth grade for one year and seventh grade for two years in Tuscola. Several of her former students would fondly remark how she was their teacher for both fifth and seventh grade. In later years she served as a substitute teacher in the Tuscola schools.

After full-time teaching, Gaila spent time raising her family and volunteering for many school and community programs. She was an active member of the Tuscola United Methodist Church and led many community Bible studies. Gaila held numerous leadership positions and organized many events for the Tuscola Woman's Club. She supported her children's school activities with her time, talents, and enthusiasm. Gaila may be best known for her hospitality, hosting many gatherings in her home and the broader community. She was a member of the Delta Pi Chapter of Tri Delta sorority and a lifelong member of the University of Illinois Alumni Association.

To acknowledge years of heartfelt care, memorial contributions can be directed to Piatt County Nursing Home, 1111 North State Street, Monticello, IL 61856 or also accepted at Tuscola United Methodist Church, 901 North Prairie Street, Tuscola, IL 61953.

Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com