Shirley Katherine Gilliss

Shirley Katherine Gilliss, age 93 of Paso Robles, California died peacefully on September 10, 2026. Shirley was born on December 4, 1932, in Baltimore, Maryland. Shirley is the daughter of George Allen and Margaret Burdette. She graduated from Western High School in Baltimore, Maryland. She married Leslie E. Gilliss in 1951 and together they raised 3 sons and enjoyed life with family and friends.

She leaves behind two sons - Mark and Keith Gilliss; daughter in-laws - Jean Gilliss and Nancy Gilliss; three grandsons - Matthew Gilliss (Valerie), Brandon Gilliss, and Michael Gilliss; three granddaughters - Janessa Filipponi (Craig), Mackenzie Nied (Alex), and Delanie Gilliss, and six great grandchildren; Adelaide, Briella, Elise, Caden and Mason.

Shirley loved to entertain and she will be remembered for her epic Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays that were open to any family member or friend that chose to attend these 3-4 day marathon events! The demand and popularity of these celebrations had several family members sleeping in closets and in the garage as the family grew.

Shirley had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh... even at her own jokes where she "lost it" before completing them, which made everyone laugh even harder! Her smile, kindness and endless generosity will be missed. Ever of service to others, she is now at peace.

Shirley is predeceased by her husband Leslie E. Gilliss; her sisters Ann B. O’Doherty and Marie Lehr; her brother Louis A. Burdette, a WWll soldier who gave his life for our freedom; her first son Leslie E. Gilliss, Jr; and her daughter-in-law Lisa Gilliss.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date in Paso Robles. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to help cure cancer, a disease that must be eliminated.