Judith Susan Gill

Judith Susan (Miller) Gill passed away on February 10, 2024, in Ridgecrest, CA, following a long illness.  She was 84.

"Judy" was born February 2, 1940, in Hollidaysburg, PA, to Raymond C. and Hazel M. Miller.  She graduated from Hollidaysburg "Chimrock" High School in 1958.  Judy met Philip Ross Gill in Hollidaysburg in July 1957.  The attraction was mutual, and the relationship of "The Two" naturally culminated with their marriage in Winchester, VA, on February 13, 1959.  After the wedding Philip and Judy moved to Los Angeles, CA, eventually settling in the Indian Wells Valley with their children.

Judy attended Los Angeles Valley College and IBM Business Machine School studying Business.  Upon graduation she went to work for Lanfield Wholesale Distributors until the birth of her first son, Phillip Ross II.  Daughter Susan Judith followed four years later, and in 1968 the family moved to Ridgecrest where Philip Sr. had a job with the Naval Weapons Center.  Both were involved in many civic activities and community affairs over the years.

Second son, David Ross, was born not long after.  Once David began elementary school, Judy began working for the Sierra Sands Unified School District as a teacher's assistant.  In 1982 Judy began her career at the Naval Weapons Center, first as a contractor, and soon after as a DoD employee in various departments and administrative positions from 1984 to 1995.

Judy served in numerous community, civic, and service organizations from 1961 to 1981 including the Glendora and Ridgecrest PTAs, League of Women Voters, and she was a candidate for SSUSD School Board.  Judy also supported projects initiated by various civic and service groups including the China Lake Community Council, China Lake Park Committee, Boy Scouts, and the Maturango Museum.

Judy enjoyed showing and breeding Collies and Rottweilers with her husband and daughter Susan, which lead to becoming very involved in the Ridgecrest Kennel Club.  She served two terms as President, and organized many local events.  She also wrote thoughtful articles for the Canine Corner in the Daily Independent.

Judy is survived by her children Philip Ross Gill II (Pat), Susan Judith Gill-Dunn (Craig), and David Ross Gill (Adrienne); Grandchildren Philip Ross Gill III, Ashley Seana Molato (Gary), Shelli Raven Travers (Nicholas), Vanessa May Gill, Davia Rose Speed, and David Ross Gill II; Great-Grandchildren Connor, Mason and Jacquelynn Molato; Peytynn Travers; Lukas Lee Wright and Lillian Rose Speed.  Judy was preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Hazel Miller of Hollidaysburg, PA; sisters Elizabeth "Bette" Emeigh, Mary "Faye" Murtiff, Mona Black and Dona Pierucci; and many beloved dogs, including Glenna, Claus, Heidi, Dr. Lee, and Dolly.

The funeral service will be held on February 29, 2024, at 10:00 am at HK Holland Memorial Chapel, 216 S. Norma St, Ridgecrest, CA.  Interment will follow at 2:00 pm at the Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 E. Bear Mountain Blvd, Arvin, CA, where she will be laid to rest next to her late husband.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Alzheimer's & Dementia Research (www.alz.org) in Judy's name.