Mona Dee Gilfillan

It is with heavy hearts we announce that Mona D. Gilfillan passed on April 15, 2025 at the age of 66. Mona was born November 4, 1958 in Independence, Kansas to the late William (Bill) and Wanda Ringle. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Stephen Bradley Ringle, and nephew, Joshua Lee Royse.

Left to cherish her memories are her children, Robert, Brianna, and Jacob Gilfillan, grandchildren, Taylor, Emily, and Joshua Gilfillan, and her sister Robin Royse (Tony), 3 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A beloved mother, grandma, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, Mona was known for her kind, compassionate heart and her generosity. She was a lover of music, a roller coaster daredevil in her youth, and was blessed with a special gift of communicating her beautiful heart and thoughts in prose and poetry.

Mona retired as Caney’s postmaster after a 28+ year career with the United States Postal Service. Ever the hardworking, dedicated, and caring person; each year during the Christmas season Mona extended her postmaster duties to include the title of Santa’s helper. Collecting letters sent to Santa through the local post offices, Mona made it her personal mission to respond on behalf of Santa to each child in the form of a poem. Mona’s light and the magic of Christmas has been immortalized in the hearts of children and the families she responded to over the years, as well as her own family.

Graveside services will be May 2, 2025, at 11am at Jefferson Cemetery in Independence, Kansas. Reception immediately to follow service at the Shelter House in Riverside Park.