Veda M. Gillihan

Veda Martha Gillihan (née Stine)
August 27, 1940 – December 29, 2025

Veda Martha Gillihan was born in Alexandria, Pennsylvania, to William and Blanche Stine. She passed peacefully in her sleep at the age of 85 after a long and courageous battle with blood cancer and dementia.

Veda had a lifelong love of music and learning. She learned to play the organ at church at a young age, played the saxophone in her high school band, and continued to play the piano throughout her life. She was deeply curious about the world, with a special interest in science and chemistry, and she once dreamed of becoming an astronaut.

Her first marriage was to George McMahon, with whom she shared two children, Mike and Rick. McMahon worked for the railroad, which brought their family from Pennsylvania to Idaho, where he later began working for the Gillihan Guide Service. After his tragic passing, the Gillihan family took Veda and her young sons under their wing. Through them, she met the love of her life, George Gillihan. Veda often fondly recalled being drawn to him because of his big family, black cowboy hat, and shiny black car. As an only child, she had always dreamed of having a large family.

Veda and George went on to have two more children, Heidi and Kenny. George welcomed Veda’s children from her previous relationships as his own, and together they raised five children: Don, Mike, Rick, Heidi and Kenny, making family of seven.

Veda achieved both a successful career and the large, loving family she had always wanted. She enjoyed a long and fulfilling career with Wells Fargo Bank, where she took pride in continuing to learn and grow, even learning Spanish. Her favorite place to be was in the mountains, where she and George spent much of their time at SISCRA Campground. There, she worked as a bookkeeper and formed many lasting friendships.

Her passions included spending time in nature, picking wildflowers, fishing, and above all, being with her family.

Veda was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, George Gillihan; her son, Mike Gillihan; and many other cherished family members. She is survived by her children, Don Stine; Rick (Lexy) Gillihan; Heidi (Kevin) Draper; and Kenny Gillihan; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for her unconditional love, wit, kindness, and resilience.

A graveside service will be held at the Emmett Cemetery on Saturday, January 17, at 1:00 PM, followed by a celebration of life at the Nazarene Church across from the cemetery.

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