Dencil "Pete" Gillis

Dencil “Pete” Gillis, 91, of Arrey, New Mexico passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Born on January 29, 1934, in Timbo, Arkansas, to William Arthur Gillis and Iva Katheryn Perry. Pete loved his Savior, his family, farming, hunting, fishing and playing his guitar.

Pete was married to Mary Ellen Riggs on June 4, 1954, at the Pentecostal Holiness Church in Garfield, New Mexico. They begin farming together and soon started raising their family on the farm, working side by side. Pete’s love of farming endured until he went home to the Lord. Dad loved the outdoors. He loved camping, hunting, and fishing with his family when he was not on the farm.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, William Arthur and Iva Katheryn Gillis, his sister Louise Brownley, His brothers, Glen, Leonard, Johnny, Lonnie, and Don Gillis and his grandson Kobe Gillis, and great grandson Gabriel Russell. He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Mary; his four children, Dottie Dallas (Ricky), Brenda Russell(Carrol), Duane Gillis(Cheryl), Dale Gillis(Priscilla); his grandchildren, Vicki Dallas, Crystal Dallas, Tyler Dallas, Jeremy Russell(Raymie), Justin Russell(Jennifer), Dencil Russell(Oneida), Darren Gillis(Samantha), Amanda Hurt(Wry), Brandon Gillis(Andrea), Savannah Turner(Josh); his great grandchildren, Kyler Russell, Bryce Russell, Kamra Russell, Orrin Russell, Hailey Russell, Landon Russell, Brooke Gillis, Dawson Gillis, Ella Hurt, Brandie Hurt, Arley Turner, and Jett Turner; his brother, Bobby(Patsy) Gillis and sister in law Dorothy Gillis and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pete left behind a legacy of family and many friends who will miss his happy grin and easy-going character. His patience and kindness were well known throughout the community. Dad was a talented musician. He loved playing his guitar and French harp in church and on Friday nights with his friends. He was most at peace when he was playing old hymns at home. This was his stress relief.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday October 28, at Pentecostal Holiness Church at Garfield, New Mexico. Viewing will be at 9:00 A.M. followed by a funeral service at 10:00 A.M. Graveside service will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Hatch, New Mexico.