Stella "Sis" Gillen , 82, of Lafayette, passed away, Tuesday, January 17, 2023. She was born, February 6, 1940, in Boswell, to the late Hollice & Jeanette (Goen) Barrett. She married James R. Gillen, June 6, 1964; he preceded her in death, December 4, 1973. Stella was a 1958 graduate of Boswell High School, received her Bachelor degree, from Indiana State University, in 1964 & her Master's degree, from Indiana State University, in 1974. She taught school at Brook, from 1964-1966 & taught for 32 years at South Newton Jr.-Sr. High School; teaching Physical Education, Health & Skills for Adolescence. While at South Newton she started the Girls Athletic Association & coached several girls' Varsity sports, including, golf, softball & basketball & was the Varsity volleyball coach for 25 years. Stella was honored by South Newton in having "The Stella Gillen Volleyball Tourney" named after her. She was a member of the Brady Lane Church, where she was always volunteering, as a greeter, in the nursery & Bible study. Stella enjoyed sports; especially attending sporting events to watch her grandkids, nieces, nephews & great-nieces & great-nephews. She was a huge fan of Purdue Basketball & the Chicago Cubs.

Stella is survived by 3 Sons, Dick (Melody) Finley, Ron Gillen & Rob (Julie) Gillen, 8 Grandchildren, 16 Great-Grandchildren & numerous Nieces, Nephews & Great-Nieces & Great-Nephews. She is preceded in death by 6 Sisters, Dorothy Newtson, Kate Finley, Elsie McMahon, Mary Waukechon, Louise Baumgardt & Hazel Odgen & 5 Brothers, Joe, Jack, Frank, Tom & Bill Barrett.

Visitation will be Saturday, January 21, 2023, from 11 AM until time of services at 2 PM, at the Boswell Church of Christ, 310 S. Clinton St., Boswell, with Jeff Keller officiating. Casual attire, in your favorite sports team is requested by Stella's family. Burial will be at the Boswell Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Brady Lane Church, 2701 Brady Lane, Lafayette, IN 47909. Shoemaker Funeral Home, Otterbein, is assisting Stella's Family. Visit www.shoemakerfh.com or Shoemaker Funeral Home- Otterbein, Indiana Facebook page to leave any condolences or to share a memory of Stella.