Rosella Gilland

Rosella Gilland, age 95, of Albia, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the Monroe County Hospital in Albia. Rosella was born on November 29, 1930, at home on the family farm near Tyrone, to Charles and Kathryn (Coady) LaMar. She grew up attending school in Albia, graduating with the Class of 1948. On June 26, 1950, she was united in marriage to James Stephen Gilland at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia. Rosella and Jim were blessed with 6 sons, Steve, Stan, Bernie, John, Tony, and Matt. They shared 63 years of marriage prior to Jim’s passing on January 31, 2014. Rosella’s early career began at the Monroe County Recorder’s office. She later devoted several years to being a homemaker, staying at home to raise her children. After returning to the workforce, she went to work at Monroe Plastics in Albia and eventually completed her working career at Hawkeye Molding running a press until her retirement. A woman of strong faith, Rosella was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia. Rosella enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, and canning. She loved playing cards with the neighborhood card group and reading books. She and Jim enjoyed square dancing, attending the Iowa State Fair and camping at Lake Miami and Lake Rathbun. They also enjoyed traveling and taking trips with the bank group. Rosella was an excellent cook, known for her roast beef. Above all else, her family was very important to her and she cherished the time spent with them. Rosella is survived by 5 sons, Steve Gilland, Stan (Susan) Gilland, Bernie Gilland, Tony (Tamie) Gilland, and Matt (Jody) Gilland; 12 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jim Gilland; a son, John Gilland; her parents, Charles and Kathryn LaMar; 2 daughters-in-law, Minnie and Sherry Gilland; 4 brothers, Francis, Bernard, James, and Charles LaMar; and 5 sisters, Catherine Calef, Sister Catherine (Margaret) LaMar, Veronica Guelzow, Mary Gross, and Marie Granatino. Visitation with a Rosary starting at 9:00 a.m. will be held until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia, with Rosella’s family present to greet family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia, with Father Isaac Essel officiating. Burial will follow services at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Albia. Memorials have been established to St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Welcome Home Soldier monument in Albia.

Rosella Gilland

November 29, 1930 - December 9, 2025