Nelda Kinsey Gillihan

Nelda Kinsey Gillihan, 85, of Midland, passed away October 4, 2026. Visitation Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 6 to 8 pm at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory.
Services will be held at Christ Church Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 1:30 pm.

Nelda was born July 24, 1941 in Gorman, Texas to William “Bill” and Lola Kinsey.  She was the 6^th of 7 children.  An older brother died in infancy.  The family lived in several places in Texas before settling in Fisk, Texas.  Fisk was just a spot in the road in Coleman County, Texas.  Her father ran a small grocery store, and her mother was the postmaster.  The post office was a corner of the grocery store!

Nelda graduated from Mozelle High School in 1959 with a class of 12 students. Nelda was the salutatorian.  Her friend Dorothy was the valedictorian.  Both ended up living in Midland and remained friends the rest of their lives.  In November 1959, Nelda married Wayne Gail
Sikes. They settled in Midland and had 2 children, Kindra and Clif. She was always a working mom, yet, very much a hands-on mom.  Any game or performance or anything the kids did, she was there. She was an assistant girl scout leader and went on many camping trips as well as working on activities for badges.  In the early 1970’s she went to work for Industrial Maintenance Contractors as the receptionist and bookkeeper, the only office employee.  As the company grew, so did the scope of her job.  When she retired in 2002, her title was vice president, and she served on the board of directors.

Nelda was a single mom during her children’s teenage and early adult years. She loved country and western dancing and went dancing as often as she could. It was out dancing that she met Ronnie Gillihan.  In 1993 Nelda married Ronnie, gaining stepdaughter Debbie, and stepson Kenny. Of course, that meant more grandkids!

Nelda always loved children. She became an aunt when she was 9. She had 22 nieces and nephews and loved them all dearly. Later, as grandchildren and great grandchildren came along, she loved seeing them as often as she could.  She crocheted bonnets, blankets, jackets and booties for the babies. She would often have to make several booties to get 2 the same size!

Nelda volunteered with Meals on Wheels for several years.  She drove a route and did quite a
bit of behind-the-scenes work. In 2014 Nelda became a member of Christ Church, where she made many friends.  As long as she could, she volunteered, lending her office skills in many areas.

Nelda is survived by children Kindra Holder, Clif Sikes (Laura), both of Midland, Debbie Gillihan of Odessa and Kenny Gillihan of San Angelo; brother Don Kinsey; grandchildren Kinsey (RJ) Pase, Jeff Holder, Chris (Amanda) Clardy-Rivers, Austin (Alexx) Sikes, Keali Gillihan, Kallyn Valdez, Alyssa Cohen, Chelsea Gillihan, Halie Gillihan and Alex Gillihan; 10 great grandchildren; and 19 nieces and nephews.

Nelda was preceded in death by husband Ronnie Gillihan; sisters Mary Beth Swanson and Tye Stotts; brothers Walton Kinsey, Dennis Kinsey and Burt Kinsey; and great-grandson Wesley Pase.

Many thanks to all the people who cared for Nelda as she struggled with her dementia. Special thanks to her prayer group: Dale Stasney, Lana Cooper, Barbara Clarke, Rosemary Wright and Casey Weaver. Thank you to the loving staff at the Manor Park Vogel Center and Cowden Cottage.

And much gratitude to Shellie Harkins. Without Shellie’s love, care and attention, mom would not have lived as long as she did.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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