Esther Roberta Gammill

Esther Roberta Gammill, "The Pie Lady," left our world Sunday, November 22, 2015. Born Peggy Ruth Roe on September 20, 1935, she was adopted six months later by Reverend Robert and Lois Hilligoss, who preceded her in death. She celebrated her 80th birthday on September 20 at home with her family in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is loved by her children-Lois Gammill, Cyndy & Al Appelman, and Tom & Barbara Gammill, and the grandchildren she held dear-Cait Brown, Terra Appelman and Sam & Adam Gammill. She would want them to remember how much they are loved. Although divorced, she made peace with her beloved ex-husband, Paul E. Gammill, who survives her along with her brother and his wife, Edward and Gayle Hilligoss. Esther had many friends whom she cherished, many of whom cared for her through the years in big ways and small; some who were by her side through the last few months as she struggled with her declining health. We thank you all.
Esther gave many years of service to the Albuquerque Public Schools, first as a school volunteer, then as an educational assistant in the North Area Office, and finally as a secretary at Governor Bent Elementary School. She was an avid quilter and an exceptional seamstress, had a passion for gardening, and enjoyed the birds frequenting her backyard feeders. She was active in various capacities as a member of Asbury United Methodist Church and was happily involved in their Prayer Quilt Ministry. Each year, Esther coordinated with other volunteers to stock the Asbury Pie Cafe at the NM State Fair, raising money for local charities that feed the homeless. She used her creative talents to decorate tables and serve food at Breaking Bread, an Asbury ministry where meals are shared and life stories are exchanged with homeless people.
A resident of Albuquerque since 1957, Esther enjoyed contributing to her community through volunteer work at Joy Junction, an organization serving homeless women and families; where she liked serving meals. She actively supported A Peaceful Habitation, a home and ministry for women who were incarcerated and are transitioning back to community life. Saranam, a local organization that provides housing, education and community support to homeless families, empowering them to end their cycle of homelessness and poverty, was another of Esther's interests. She coordinated an annual pie party with Saranam families, teaching them how to make pies, while benefiting the Pie Cafe at the same time. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of these organizations she loved.
For contributions to the Asbury Pie Cafe or Breaking Bread please contact Asbury United Methodist Church at 505.299.0643; please also visit www.asburyabq.org/asbury-cafe/asbury-pies/. For Joy Junction call 505.288-3350, or visit www.joyjunction.org. For A Peaceful Habitation call 505.440.5937, or visit www.apeacefulhabitation.org. Donations can be mailed to A Peaceful Habitation, P.O. Box 53516, Albuquerque, NM 87153. For Saranam, please call 505.299.6154, or visit www.saranamabq.org/saranam/services.php.

A Memorial Service for this generous and talented woman will be held on Tuesday, December 1 at 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary at Asbury United Methodist Church,10,000 Candelaria NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87112.