Lifetime Manassa resident Cletus M. Gilleland, 90, passed away February 13, 2014 at the San Luis Valley Health Regional Medical Center in Alamosa, surrounded by his family. Cletus was born on July 9, 1923 in Manassa, Colorado to Cornelius “Con” and Dora Mortensen Gilleland. He married Barbara Jean Mortensen on February 17, 1946 in Clinton, UT, and they were sealed for Time & All Eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple on June 16, 1959.
Cletus grew up in the Manassa area and upon graduating from Manassa High school, he joined the Marines. He belonged to the First Armored Amphibian Battalion U.S.M.C. serving in the Pacific Theater during World War II, a recipient of the Purple Heart. Upon returning home, he married the love of his life, Barbara Jean Mortensen and made their home in Manassa.
Cletus was a Farmer/Rancher his entire life, and retired as postmaster in Manassa. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many positions including Bishop, Counselor in the San Luis Stake/Presidency, faithful home teacher, and enjoyed working with the youth. After retiring, he and Barbara served as missionaries in the Oklahoma, Tulsa Mission and also the Ohio, Columbus Mission. They spent many years serving as workers in the Denver Colorado Temple and the Albuquerque New Mexico Temple.
Cletus was a loving husband, father, granddad, great-granddad and brother. He was a member of the Manassa Saddle Club, a 4-H leader, an avid fisherman and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved taking care of his lawn, snowmobiling and spending time at the “mountain ranch”. Spending time with his family was another highlight of his life.
Survivors of Cletus include his children, Sandra (Steve) Zetterquist of Manassa, CO; Janet (Dan) Bond of Manassa, CO; Jack (Debra) Gilleland of Romeo, CO; Rebecca (Max) Firth of Malad, ID; Annette (Eric) Johnson of Grantsville, UT; and Mark (Nancy) Gilleland of Manassa, CO. He is also survived by his sister Deaon Jarvies of Salt Lake City, Utah as well as 26 Grandchildren and 57 Great-Grandchildren with two more on the way and numerous nieces and nephews.
Cletus was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, his parents and brother-in-law Donald Jarvies. A Visitation will be held Sunday, February 16, 2014 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Monday, February 17, 2014 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Rogers Family Mortuary at 205 North Third in Manassa. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 17th at the Manassa Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Interment will follow services in the Manassa Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Missionary Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in care of Rogers Family Mortuary, 205 State Ave., Alamosa, CO 81101.

Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Cletus M Gilleland, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.