Alexis Michelle Gilman, 25, of Anacortes, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Sept. 17, 2010 in Coupeville. She was born on Nov. 27, 1984, in Steamboat Springs, Colo., the daughter of Larry and Cheryl (Ziebold) Gilman. Alexis grew up in Utah where she had the unique opportunity to grow and learn with her niece Anna, who was only 10 months younger. When she was in sixth grade, the family moved to Anacortes where she attended school. Alexis had a passion for animals early in life and was a member of 4-H, where she trained a guide dog puppy named “Keepsake.” She excelled in 4-H, attending camps and later, serving in several capacities for the Northwest Washington Summer 4-H Youth Camp, Camp Cornet in North Whidbey, where Alexis made a huge impact on the camp.

She was a 2003 graduate of Anacortes High School and attended Skagit Valley College for two years. Alexis was a people person, and her relational skills helped her as a barista at the Deception Pass Visitor Center and then as the smiling face serving coffee at Miriam’s Espresso Café in Coupeville. She made many friends and was loved by many for her outgoing personality. Alexis was trustworthy, loyal kind, loving, always there, and would always do anything she could for other people. She left a large influence on people’s lives around the world and she will be truly missed. Alexis is survived by her parents, Larry and Cheryl Gilman of Anacortes; sisters Melissa Madden and husband Matt Fields of Salt Lake City; Yvette and Scott Campbell and family of Brainerd, Minn.; her grandmothers Leona Gilman of Phoenix, Ariz., and Marily Ziebold of Peoria, Ill.; and her beloved boyfriend Colin Oladimeji.

A memorial service was held Sept. 23 at the First Baptist Church of Anacortes. Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., Anacortes, WA and the San Juan Islands. To share memories of Alexis please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com.