Obituary for Arlyss Gilliland Tombarge
Arlyss Anna Gilliland Tombarge left this life December 14, 2022 at the age of 91. She was born in Nebraska to John and Edith Gilliland. Edith passed away two years later. Eventually, Arlyss got a wonderful stepmother, Josephine, and an older brother, Bob, when her father married again. Together, they raised Arlyss and Bob and added John, Jr. and Lorraine to the family. They moved to Aurora, NE where they operated a restaurant. Arlyss worked in the restaurant during high school and graduated at age 16.
After high school, Arlyss moved to Lincoln, Nebraska to work in a bank. There she met and married the love of her life, John W Tombarge (who preceded her in death in August, 2022). John was commissioned into the U.S Navy on their wedding day, thus beginning a long-term “career” for both of them. Arlyss was a military officer’s wife for 27-years and was involved as an ombudsman for younger officer’s wives. She was involved with her children’s schools as a room mother. She was active in her community and volunteered with the Girl Scouts, Red Cross, Navy Relief, Navy Medical Clinics, many Lutheran Churches and Relay for Life as a cancer survivor.
Arlyss and John were happily married for 68 years. During this time, they lived in California, Rhode Island, Italy, Michigan, Florida, Iceland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Ohio. Arlyss was the glue that held the family together, especially when John was in Cuba, Spain and Vietnam or working very long hours in his Public Works duty stations. After John retired from the Navy, they moved to Delaware, OH. It is here that they lived 35 years in the same residence – a first for them.
In 2018, John and Arlyss moved to Chesapeake, Virginia to be closer to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Arlyss was an avid reader, especially mysteries. Her favorite author was Agatha Christie. She enjoyed painting ceramics and taking her grandchildren to places like the Olentangy Caverns, Columbus Zoo, COSI events, state parks and The Wilds while living in Ohio.
Arlyss leaves behind three children: Cheryl Larner, Sandie Tombarge and John Tombarge, Jr.; eight beloved grandchildren: Melissa, Alisande, Brittany, Lauren, Sarah, Brianna, Bonnie and Stephen; seven great grandchildren; a brother, John Gilliland, Jr. of Maine; and many cousins, nieces and nephews to cherish her memory.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 28 E. William St., Delaware, OH 43015 or to Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Attn: Development Department, 875 N. Randolph St., Suite 225, Arlington, VA 22203.
After high school, Arlyss moved to Lincoln, Nebraska to work in a bank. There she met and married the love of her life, John W Tombarge (who preceded her in death in August, 2022). John was commissioned into the U.S Navy on their wedding day, thus beginning a long-term “career” for both of them. Arlyss was a military officer’s wife for 27-years and was involved as an ombudsman for younger officer’s wives. She was involved with her children’s schools as a room mother. She was active in her community and volunteered with the Girl Scouts, Red Cross, Navy Relief, Navy Medical Clinics, many Lutheran Churches and Relay for Life as a cancer survivor.
Arlyss and John were happily married for 68 years. During this time, they lived in California, Rhode Island, Italy, Michigan, Florida, Iceland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Ohio. Arlyss was the glue that held the family together, especially when John was in Cuba, Spain and Vietnam or working very long hours in his Public Works duty stations. After John retired from the Navy, they moved to Delaware, OH. It is here that they lived 35 years in the same residence – a first for them.
In 2018, John and Arlyss moved to Chesapeake, Virginia to be closer to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Arlyss was an avid reader, especially mysteries. Her favorite author was Agatha Christie. She enjoyed painting ceramics and taking her grandchildren to places like the Olentangy Caverns, Columbus Zoo, COSI events, state parks and The Wilds while living in Ohio.
Arlyss leaves behind three children: Cheryl Larner, Sandie Tombarge and John Tombarge, Jr.; eight beloved grandchildren: Melissa, Alisande, Brittany, Lauren, Sarah, Brianna, Bonnie and Stephen; seven great grandchildren; a brother, John Gilliland, Jr. of Maine; and many cousins, nieces and nephews to cherish her memory.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 28 E. William St., Delaware, OH 43015 or to Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Attn: Development Department, 875 N. Randolph St., Suite 225, Arlington, VA 22203.