Gilma Brooks, age 92, passed away peacefully at Ava's House in Sioux Falls, SD, on December 2, 2025. While we grieve her absence, we rejoice that she is now safely home with Jesus and reunited with her dear family.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 am, with the memorial service to follow at 11:00 am on Monday, December 15, 2025 at Miller Funeral Home, Southside location, 7400 S. Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD.

If you are not able to attend and would like to live stream the service, please use this link: https://youtube.com/live/z75zjtrmTMI?feature=share

Gilma was born on November 16, 1933, in Canton, SD, to Peter and Grace (Anema) DeKing. She had many good memories and stories from growing up on the farm with a large family and graduated from Inwood High School in 1951.

After high school, she attended flight attendant school with her sister Lorena. She later returned to Sioux Falls and lived in an apartment with eight other young women at the address of 608 S. Dakota Ave. They often laughed about how nine women managed to prepare for work each morning with only one bathroom and a tiny kitchen. Some of these women became her lifelong friends, meeting monthly for more than 60 years — the "608 gang."

Gilma met Frank Brooks on a blind date, and they were united in marriage on June 21, 1958. They enjoyed 67 years of marriage and built a beautiful life together. She had enduring pride in raising their two sons.

Known for her elegance and style, and remembered for her steady presence and devotion to her family, Gilma loved cooking (especially her caramel oat bars) and hosting gatherings that made the holidays special. She treasured long telephone conversations with her siblings and enjoyed many years working in the admissions department at Avera McKennan Hospital.

The family cherished their summers at Lake Carlos Villa, where they were original summertime owners — chosen intentionally after she researched it to be the warmest week of the season. Gilma and Frank built four homes in Sioux Falls, leaving a legacy of thoughtful design and craftsmanship. She also enjoyed traveling, especially to Hawaii, Alaska and Arizona, reading a good book, and walking. She enjoyed her final years at Trail Ridge making many new friends.

Gilma is survived by her husband, Frank; her sons, Steven (Brenda) and Jon (Teresa); her brother, Wilfred (Willie); her sister, Lorena Wojahn; and her grandchildren, including Andrea, Audrey, Ashley, and Nathan. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren — Jameson, Eden, Isla, and Graham and a fifth arriving any day, all of whom she relished to the very end.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Ida, Leona, Carol, and Gertrude; and her brothers Peter and Richard.

Gilma leaves behind a legacy of hospitality, faith, and quiet strength — gifts she shared freely and that will continue to shape the family she loved so dearly.