"Are you five," they beginning yelling at her. "Are you ten, are you 15, are you 20" and they continued until they reached the number 85 when Gillespie threw up her hands to stop them from counting any higher.
Gillespie has been a Foster Grandmother to the students for the past three years with this year's first graders being the biggest class that she has worked with.
The love of the students for 'grandma' was evident in the book that was presented to her.
"Each student wrote something for her," teacher Jen Wylder said. "We then bound the book up so she could keep it always."
Wylder read several of the stories to Gillespie as she sat with the students.
"She has pretty earrings," one wrote. "She always has on colorful socks," wrote another.
Grandma was asked what kept her going at the age of 85.
"Don't sweat the small stuff," she said. "Why sit around and talk about my aches when I can be up here."
After the short recognition, Gillespie said she has enjoyed working at the school.
"They are so nice to me and fun to be with," she said.
"I'm very lucky to be here and working with them."
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