Obituary of Royce Ann Gilmore

Royce Ann (Simpson) Gilmore aka " NANA" Royce Ann Gilmore passed away peacefully in her home of 52 years surrounded by her loved ones June 25th, 2010. Royce was born in Van Nuys, California on August 20th 1925 where she was raised on a dairy along with her younger brother and sister. She attended Van Nuys High School & after graduation went to work for Bank of America as a teller while waiting on her high school sweetheart, Shay Gilmore, to return from military service. They married in Santa Barbara in 1946 and honeymooned in Santa Cruz, later to relocate to Santa Cruz in 1956, where they raised their four children in their home at Sunny Cove, where she proceeded to live the rest of her life. Royce influenced many young students while working as a yard duty at Capitola Junior High, then later in food service for Live Oak School District. She also cherished her job at the Bait & Tackle on the Capitola Wharf. She enjoyed sports, especially softball, golf, bowling, camping and boating with her family, she also loved to read. Royce enjoyed following her niece, Juli Inkster's golfing career and was her biggest fan. She also enjoyed many memorable trips with her friend Cindy McGinnis. (Thank you Ollie). Our Mother was a warm, caring and loving individual who was very devoted to her family, We will miss her spunky sense of humor, for it was one of her greatest qualities we loved so much. Royce was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Emily Simpson and her eldest daughter, Randy Gilmore Nelson. Royce is survived by her daughter Jenny Hess ( husband Don), son Shan Gilmore ( wife Pinky), daughter Sidney Reeder (husband Scott), and eight grand children, Holly Essanstam, Randi Eller, Matt Karleen, Kristen Pocock, Gabbi Gilmore, Brody Reeder, Gigi Gilmore & Paige Reeder. Four great grand children, Ruby, Brayden, Cameron & Shay. Royce also is survived by her sister Ruth Wakefield (husband Don), and brother Jack Simpson (wife Carole) and also beloved niece, Marta Christensen. Mom, we will miss your humor and loving wit, you were all that and more, "We Love You" We are sending you out to sea for your "Viking Funeral" and toasting you with a glass of Mer "lot" "Here's To You" In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz.