Molly Ann (Audrain) Gille

Molly Ann Gille slipped away peacefully in the afternoon of December 24th, 2023. She had been ill for some time. Her mother, Margaret Ann (Sherrick) Audrain, died on December 12, 2023, less than two weeks prior to Molly’s passing. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wm. Craig Gille, whom she lost eight years ago and her papa, Charles Louis Audrain, who also died in 2015,

Growing up, Molly proudly described herself as an Army Brat. Her papa’s career took their young family to far off places more often than most. From North Carolina to Panama, and from Heidelberg to Washington DC, Molly and her younger brothers grew to appreciate aspects of each home and culture where they lived. She observed customs and integrated features she admired from each adventure into her own life. It all contributed to her views and preferences for a rich home life.  Molly and Craig Gille were married at the Tulsa Garden Center on March 18, 1976. They were blessed with two daughters, Natalie Marie Gille and Rosalyn Gille Mosher. Molly is also survived by her son-in-law, Mitchell Mosher and baby granddaughter, Lucy Mae Mosher. She is further survived by her grandson, Giovanni Hiner and his infant son, Persy. Molly and grandson, Gio loved their Harry Potter marathons, and she faithfully cheered him on as he mastered each video game during their sleepovers. Molly’s two brothers and their wives, Sam Audrain and Barb Audrain of Montana, Matt Audrain and Beverly Audrain are among her survivors. Molly’s family also includes her sister-in-law Peggy Gille Wilson and husband, Ryck Wilson, and her first cousin, Gaylyn Murray Wattman and husband Mark and their children Tom Wattman and Frances Wattman Rosenau, husband Zachary Rosenau, and sons, Asher and Walden Rosenau. Molly’s family was her world. There was never a more dedicated wife, mother, grandmother. And homemaker. She kept her circle small but those whom she loved knew it well. Anyone she befriended felt fortunate to know her. Rosalyn says it is her prayer that she can be half as good a mother to Lucy as Molly was to her. 

Molly loved to read and was especially fond of Sci-fi stories and fantasies. After becoming a mother, she started describing herself as a bit of a homebody. She loved caring for her girls, decorating their home and she enjoyed and excelled at entertaining. At day’s end though, Molly might be found curled up with a cat in her lap reading an Isaac Asimov novel while sipping a tall glass of iced tea or Diet Rite. That is to say, only when she was not busying herself with a project or generally spiffing up her home in preparation for the next holiday or gathering.  Molly was a discerning observer of life and a full-time student of beauty. Molly was known for thinking creatively and seeking unconventional ways to improve her life and the lives of others. She and her young daughters loved vintage pictures of gossamer-winged fairies and angels, which often inspired the décor in their childhood bedrooms. Molly also loved tropical flora, white sandy beaches and was inspired by the peaceful colors of the beachside sky and ocean. Her home reflected her eclectic taste and was always a tremendously inviting environment. 

Rosalyn praised her mother’s artistic abilities. “Making all things beautiful was one of Mama’s favorite pastimes.” Beyond her early career as a floral designer with her aunt, Mary Murray, Molly’s talents included sewing, painting and drawing with pastels. She loved interior design, using her own home as her favorite palate. Over the years she developed a refined, yet non-traditional style of interior decorating, which evoked emotional delight along with a beautiful feel in every room. For years Molly and Craig hosted lavish Thanksgiving feasts for family and friends. She seated numerous guests up and down each side of extended tables that were constructed just for the occasion. Molly created bountiful cornucopia displays and fresh floral centerpieces to grace every table and surface. Then, at Christmastime, she decorated multiple Christmas trees, some with romantic tropical themes in pastel hues, others with rich jewel colors and classic embellishments. Molly’s keen eye for style and good taste never failed her any time she embarked on a project or planned an event. If you ever attended one of the Gille’s Christmas parties, you observed that Molly loved going to extremes with decorations; all tastefully executed. In recent years, Molly and Rosalyn became a real designing duo, especially at Christmas season. Mitchell soon adapted to living with the occasional glitter “fall out” he’d find all around their home from late November to early January. After all, the result was well worth the inconvenience of brushing a little glitter off his trouser legs now and again. 

Molly was as generous with her love and loyalty as she was with her Christmas sparkle. If you were lucky enough to be in her circle of friends and family, you could expect her to sign off of a phone call by making cute little “kiss, kiss” sounds after you bid her “goodbye”. The fairy dust was implied. 

Arrangements and services were entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home, Sperry.

Online condolences to the family can be made at johnsonsperry.com.