Lillian Janice (Reynolds) Gaiser

Lillian Janice (Reynolds) Gaiser, 93, of Tipton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. Lillian “Lil” was born in Parma, Missouri on January 4, 1932, to her parents, Bradley Reynolds and Theda Grubbs Reynolds. Lil married Joseph Gaiser on June 20, 1969. After many wonderful years together, Joe passed away on August 26, 2019.

Lillian attended school in Parma, Missouri, where she was brought up. She was incredibly bright and did well, however her school years were cut a little short because she made the decision to work and help her family. Lil was the oldest of eight children, and she always took her role very seriously. She was one of those people that others could whole heartedly depend on! The decision of sacrifice and loyalty that Lil made at such an early age truly depict the person she was throughout her 93 years! 

Lillian and her husband attended Albright Methodist Church in Atlanta, IN and then in their later years attended Trinity Methodist Church in Arcadia, IN. Her faith was important to her. Lil was also a member of the American Legion 496 in Tipton and a lifetime member of the VFW in Kokomo. Through the years, Lil worked for DA Murray’s, Pioneer Seed Corn, Little Gem Restaurant, and the Jim Dandy offices. She also cleaned houses and provided childcare for many families. Lil’s favorite job was of course caring for children. It was her passion, and she was able to impact many children for the better. She was very proud of the fact that she was caregiver to over 75 children over her lifetime. Many of those children became like family to her and made a special point to stay in contact with her long after her duties of caregiver were complete.

Lillian had a fiery personality. She was no nonsense, known for saying what she meant and meaning what she said! She fought for what she believed in and encouraged others to do the same. Lil was energetic, motivated and tried to keep herself busy and productive. Her family was always her top priority, and being a Grandma brought a tremendous amount of joy to her life! Her grandchildren will never forget her amazing cooking, or her beautiful garden. No one could make flowers grow as pretty as Grandma. When Lil wasn’t busy you may have found her watching the Colts or IU on television. She also enjoyed going shopping and eating out. Lillian will be so greatly missed by all who had the privilege of crossing paths with her!

Those left to carry on Lil’s legacy of love are her children, Rick Harpe (Roxanne) of Windfall, IN, Guylia Lacy (Jerry), of Atlanta, IN, Debra Harpe (Clay Morgan), of Tipton, IN; son-in-law, David Prater Sr.; stepsons, Mark Gaiser (Sandra), Mike Gaiser (Teresa), Steve Gaiser (Susie); grandchildren, David W. Prater (Kim Brannan), Bradley Prater (Kelly), Dedra Forster (Ryan), Anthony Wray (Jammie), Kasey Harpe (Katie), Kelly Alberts (Aaron); great grandchildren, Tyler Prater, Jacob Wray, Benjamin Forster, William, Caleb & Juliet Alberts, Colin & Callahan Harpe; brother, Paul Reynolds of Tipton, IN; and many nieces nephews and cousins.

Lil was welcomed into Heaven by her husband, Joseph Gaiser; daughter, Kathy Prater; stepson, Tim Gaiser; and 6 siblings.

A service celebrating Lil’s life will be held on Friday, February 14, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home, located at 314 N. Main St. in Tipton, with Pastor Melissa Grishaw officiating. Visitation for family and friends will take place prior to the service from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be held immediately following the service at Tipton’s Fairview Cemetery.

Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Gaiser family in their time of need. Please feel free to leave an online condolence or share a special memory of Lillian with her family on her tribute wall.

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