FAMILY NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Happy 98th Birthday Iris!!
In Loving Memory of Lewis Leon Gilbert
In Loving Memory of Lewis Leon Gilbert
Iris celebrated her 98th birthday on September 1, 2024. She has the Gilbert longevity gene and silver hair to go with it!
In Loving Memory of Lewis Leon Gilbert
In Loving Memory of Lewis Leon Gilbert
In Loving Memory of Lewis Leon Gilbert
December 26, 1941 ~ February 2, 2024 (age 82)
Dr. Lewis Leon Gilbert Jr. MD, age 82, of Great Falls, MT, passed away on February 2, 2024 surrounded by his family.
Lewis was born to Lewis Gilbert Sr. and Irene Gilbert at Fort Belknap agency on December 26, 1941.
Lewis grew up on the Gilbert Ranch at Fort Belknap and in Harlem, Montana.
After graduating from Harlem High school, Lewis joined the Air Force Reserves and graduated from basic training from Lackland Air Force Base San Antonio, Tx.
Following basic training, Lewis attended the University of Missoula. After graduating, he returned to the Gilbert Ranch where he worked with his father. During that time, he married Terri McGuire and started a family. In 1976 they moved to Grand Forks, ND and he attended the University of North Dakota where he graduated from medical school in 1983. After graduation, Lewis completed his internship in Sioux Falls SD. He practiced at Fort Belknap IHS for 2 years before completing his residency training in Family Practice at Bismarck, ND.
In 1989, Lewis settled in Laurel, MT and practiced at the VA Clinic in Billings for many years. At the same time, Lewis worked in many emergency departments in rural Montana as a Locum Tenet Physician.
After retirement, Lewis moved home to Harlem where he lived for many years, some of those years were spent taking care of his father after health issues had left him partially paralyzed. After his father passed away, he moved with his mother and sister to Great Falls, helping to care for them.
Lewis loved to read, and learning was a lifelong passion. He was particularly interested in physics, psychology, astronomy, geology, and trigonometry. He studied for fun. Lewis also liked the simple things in life like a good view, going for walks, singing, playing guitar, karaoke, ice cream, working with his hands and old westerns. During his years of practicing medicine, he loved to diagnose and heal people. He particularly enjoyed taking care of the veterans he treated. He loved to visit, laugh, and reminisce with family and friends. Lewis loved everything Elvis Presley.
Lewis was proceeded in death by his father Lewis Gilbert SR, mother Irene Gilbert, sister Phyllis Gilbert, brother in law Ron Grovom and grandson Garret Gilbert.
Lewis is survived by his sisters Kay Howard (Jack) of Helena, Sandra Gilbert of Missoula, Susan Grovom (Ron) of Helena, Gwen (Jerry) Anderson of Helena, Bonnie (Mark) Josephson of Big Timber, son Todd Gilbert of Billings, daughters Lori Gilbert-Lee of Billings and Shauna (Rob) Azure of Havre, grandchildren Jarrod Gilbert, Kayla Waters, Jordann Gilbert, Hailey Azure, Olivia Lee, and Jacob Lee, great grandchildren Kiev Waters, Rhett Waters, Emmori Waters and Oliver Roberts as well and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held June 22, 2024, at 2:00 PM at The Harlem Catholic Church.
Our Dear Aunt Lilly has Passed Away
In Loving Memory of Gary Wayne "Butch" Gilbert
In Loving Memory of Gary Wayne "Butch" Gilbert
Lilly Ruth (Gilbert) Kretchmer, 101, passed away due to natural causes on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Northern Montana Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at Fifth Avenue Christian Church with Pastor Rick Hodshire officiating. Interment will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2023, in Calvary Cemetery. Her family has suggested memorial donations be made in lieu of flowers to the Havre Elks Club, Fifth Avenue Christian Church, the Little Rockies Christian Bible Camp, or any charity that Lilly supported.
Lilly was born on March 12, 1922, in Worland, Wyoming to Millard and Emma Gilbert, number 10 of fourteen children. She was raised in Chinook and Harlem, graduating as valedictorian of the Harlem High School Class of 1940. At 18, she moved to Havre to live with her older sister and brother-in-law, Elsie and Sig Nelson. They had just purchased the Glacier Motel, so Lilly had a job right away, working as a maid and room renter during the day and as a bookkeeper at night at their Oldsmobile garage just across the street, making $.75 per hour in 1942.
During the war, Lilly, Elsie, and Sig moved to Portland, Oregon, to work in the shipyards. They performed welding and other jobs on the supply ships and became very good at it. They were “our own” Rosie the Riveters in the family and were very proud of their contributions to the war effort. After the war ended, they returned home to Havre and continued to operate the motel and garage.
Lilly met and married Ray Deeds, and they had three daughters together, but later divorced. She then met Dwayne Kretchmer in 1956, and one son, Matt, was born two years later, in 1958. She raised four children, Deanna, Sandra, Jody, and Matt. Lilly and her five sisters were always ready to help each other and anyone else in the family who needed it, and they loved each other no matter what was happening.
Lilly enjoyed boating and fishing with her husband, Dwayne, at their summer home on Canyon Ferry Lake. She was baptized in 2007 by Rowlie Hutton, and has been a member of Fifth Avenue Christian Church since that time. She enjoyed bowling, and traveling and dancing with Dwayne.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dwayne Kretchmer; daughter, Sandra (Deeds) Burrington; granddaughter, Jessica Burrington; parents, Millard and Emma Gilbert; sisters, Flossie, Lucy, Elsie, and Louisa; and brothers, Charles, Andrew, Lewis, Quentin, John, Calvin, Kenney, and Gaylord Gilbert.
Lilly is survived by her three children, Deanna Hale of Havre, Jody (Duane) Skoyen of Chinook, and Matt (Rose) Kretchmer of Havre; grandchildren, Twila Inman, Scott Scofield, Lesley Von Eschen, Jill Cochran, Melissa Tank, Jennifer Elias, Suzanne Skoyen, and Daniel Skoyen; fifteen great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; sister, Iris Hay of Hood River, OR; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In Loving Memory of Gary Wayne "Butch" Gilbert
In Loving Memory of Gary Wayne "Butch" Gilbert
In Loving Memory of Gary Wayne "Butch" Gilbert
1940-2023
Gary Wayne "Butch" Gilbert was born April 20, 1940 in Havre, Montana to Andrew F. and Frances M. (Hellmann) Gilbert, the middle of three children. Following his high school graduation in Montana, Gary attended the University of Great Falls, receiving a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy. Gary had a passion for learning, attending the University of Chicago and the University of Montana earning a Master's degree in Education. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of Montana School of Law. He practiced law in Montana until an opportunity to teach Latin in Casper, Wyoming presented itself.
Gary married Karen Reid in Great Falls, Montana. They have four sons, Thomas, John, James, and Andrew. They later divorced. Gary moved to Casper and married Holly Housholder in 1990. They have two children, Luke and Madison, his only daughter. Gary enjoyed reading, writing, and fishing. He instilled similar qualities and passions in his children. Following his retirement in 2013, Gary enjoyed spending time at home with his family and doing home improvement projects, some with more success than others. He continued to support his children in their academic endeavors.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Donna Noble.
He is survived by his wife, Holly; children, Thomas (Deb); John (Kari); James (Kellie); Andrew (Katie); Luke; and Madison Gilbert; brother, Larry (Leanne) Gilbert; ten grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family is planning a private Celebration of Life this summer.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a Parkinson's Disease foundation or research organization of your choice.
In Loving Memory of Phyllis Gail Gilbert
In Loving Memory of Gary Wayne "Butch" Gilbert
In Loving Memory of Phyllis Gail Gilbert
1950-2021
PHYLLIS GAIL GILBERT went peacefully to her heavenly home on May 17, 2021, at age 71. Phyllis was born on April 7, 1950, at Fort Belknap, Montana, to Lewis Clarence and Irene Bridget (Fitzsimmons) Gilbert. She was baptized and celebrated her First Communion at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Harlem, Mt.
Phyllis lived the majority of her life in Harlem with her parents who farmed and ranched East of Harlem at Fort Belknap. After the passing of Lewis, Phyllis and Irene moved to Great Falls, Mt. to be nearer to family. In later years, she and her mother moved to Sun City, Arizona, where they were always surrounded by their devoted family and friends.
Phyllis was a kind, happy, and generous soul with a heart of Gold. She was quick to pray for others and to lend a helping hand to any friend in need. She was a genuine friend and amused everyone with her clever remarks, bringing smiles and laughter to all. Phyllis loved the special celebrations and holidays that she spent with family and close friends.
Phyllis enjoyed preparing meals, baking and co-hosting parties where her gift of hospitality could brightly shine. Some of her favorite pastimes were making personalized birthday cards and welcome home signs, coloring, working puzzles, watching movies and eating popcorn. She delighted in spending time relaxing on the front patio where she could chat with good neighbors and enjoyed attending music concerts, playing mini golf and hanging out with family and friends.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her beloved parents, maternal grandparents, Irvin and Lucy (O'Bryan) Fitzsimmons and paternal grandparents Millard and Emma Gilbert (Albro).
Phyllis is survived by her caring siblings: Kay (Jack) Howard of Helena, Mt., Lewis Gilbert, Jr. of Great Falls, Mt., Sandra Gilbert (Sidner Larson) of Tucson, Az., Susan (Ron) Grovom of Sun City, Az., Gwen (Jerry) Anderson of Helena, Mt., Bonnie (Mark) Josephson of Big Timber, Mt., and Mary (Jay) Whitaker of Great Falls, Mt. She is also survived by a host of beloved and adoring nieces and nephews, cousins and special friends; Aunts Joan Fitzsimmons of Mandan, N.D., Iris Hay of Hood River, Ore. and Lilly Kretchmer of Havre, Mt.
Phyllis was deeply loved and will be missed greatly by everyone. All our lives were made better by having shared her life and we will forever cherish her as a rare gift and blessing.
Cremation has taken place and interment will be at the Harlem Cemetery. A private graveside service has been planned. Phyllis's family would like to extend a special thank you to Infinity Hospice Care, Scottsdale, Az. And to Rocky Mountain/Compassus Hospice, Helena, Mt.
John 3:16 KJV: For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life
In Loving Memory of Mary "Midgie" McGee
In Loving Memory of Lola Lee Powell Gilbert
In Loving Memory of Lola Lee Powell Gilbert
Mary "Midgie" McGee
January 1st, 1943 - December 20, 2020
Mary Jean "Midgie" McGee was born on January 1st, 1943 in Chinook, Montana to Molly (Blatt) and John Gilbert.
In Loving Memory of Lola Lee Powell Gilbert
In Loving Memory of Lola Lee Powell Gilbert
In Loving Memory of Lola Lee Powell Gilbert
Lola Lee Powell Gilbert
July 2, 1937-March 10, 2021
Lola Lee Powell Gilbert went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 10th, 2021, which was on her dad's birthday. She came into this world a fighter, being born two months premature when her mother was hit by lightning. Her crib was a shoe box and she got warmth from an old cook stove.
She was born to Jake and Lucille Powell on the ranch south of Chinook in the Bears Paw Mountains on July 2, 1937 and was the 12th of 13 children.
She graduated 8th grade at Rattlesnake School and attended Chinook High School. She met and married the love of her life, Gaylord Gilbert on November 19th, 1954. They were blessed with 3 beautiful daughters. They lived in various places in Montana while Gaylord worked construction building roads.
They bought a farm and settled on the Fairfield Bench where they raised their girls. Lola and Gaylord retired and bought a motorhome and became snowbirds. Lola was the chauffeur and Gaylord her co-pilot. They traveled life together for 63 years before Gaylords passing to be with the Lord on October 26th, 2017. Lola's passion was taking care of her farm. She would tackle any job from fixing farm equipment to building barns for her lambing and calving. She loved cooking and her door was always open with food on the table for anyone. Her love was gardening, fishing and hunting. Then the joy of grand babies and great grand babies filled her world.
She was raised with the love of music with her family, playing at reunions, church functions and various outings with her family members. She once played with her sister Avis on a local radio station, Maida McCartney, "Dear Hearts and Gentle People Show".
Lola and Gaylord joined Simms Community Church, where they taught Sunday School and passed on their love of Jesus to everyone.
Mom will be sorely missed by everyone who encountered her in their lives. Her heart was as big as her love for everyone was strong.
She is survived by her daughters: Gloria Hitchcock- East Helena, Terria (Lyle)Arps- Choteau, Gayla Gilbert (Wade Poor}) - East Helena - Our special sister Altana (Tana). She passed peacefully with her daughter's at Gayla's home in East Helena where mom resided. Grand Children: Clinton (Sunni), Kelly (John), Chad (Brittany), Scharli (Travis), Christi (Darrin), Jessica. Great grand babies: Audrey, Robert, Grace, Casey, Zella, Adia, Quinton and special new one the way, Surviving siblings: Joan, Avis, Margaret (Maggie), Luella, William and baby Teddy. A long list of nieces and nephews who she held close into her heart.
Mom's favorite verse: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and all your strength." Mark 12:30
The following was written in her bible *Being with God is good while living, better while going and best when gone. * She is at her best now!
The family would like to send a special "THANK YOU" to the wonderful people of Hospice for their awesome care during mom's last days. We could not have gone through this without your love and support.
Grave side services are to be held at VA Fort Harrison Cemetery - Helena, Montana
Anyone wishing to send cards, address them to Gloria Hitchcock, 1290 East Dudley St., East Helena, Mt 59635
In Loving Memory of Betty Elizabeth Gilbert
In Loving Memory of Kenneth Maynard (Kenny) Gilbert
In Loving Memory of Kenneth Maynard (Kenny) Gilbert
1929- 2020
Thanksgiving morning, November 26, 2020, Betty Gilbert, rejoined the love of her life, Kenny Gilbert, just in time for their 73rd wedding anniversary. Our sadness at her passing is tempered by our happiness that Betty and Kenny are together again, holding hands, and loving each other as they did on this earth. Betty Elizabeth Gloyne Fitzsimmons Gilbert was born on April 3, 1929, in Harlem, Montana, to Elizabeth “Lib” Gloyne (Fitzsimmons) and Marshall D. Snider. She joined brother Burton Melvin Fitzsimmons, Sr., who was two years her senior. Betty was adopted by her stepfather George Fitzsimmons in 1946, with half-siblings, Mary, and Bill, rounding out the family. It was discovered during Betty’s adoption, that a mid-wife assisting with her birth, registered her name as “Gertrude Louise” on the birth certificate. Her name was officially amended to reflect the name she had gone by for the prior 17 years, Betty Elizabeth. Betty graduated from Harlem High School in 1947. She and Kenny were married on November 30, 1947, and raised four children, Karen, Keila, John, and Jim. Kenny worked several jobs in the Chester area, eventually opening his own auto parts store in 1960, with Betty’s support. Betty’s skills and characteristics were complimentary to Kenny’s and together they built a successful business, retiring and selling their store in 1996. In retirement Betty and Kenny ventured out in their motorhome, traveling the West on expeditions of their own, and with the Milk River Good Sam Club. For several years Betty participated in bowling leagues and enjoyed creating ceramics with a group of close friends. Betty and Kenny were members of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chester, and the Queen of Peace Church in Quartzsite, Arizona, where they were snowbirds for many years. Betty was a survivor, enduring a challenging childhood, multiple bouts with cancer, the death of her son John, and the death of her beloved Kenny. She was stubborn and could hold a grudge like no other, both manifestations of her fierce loyalty and love for her family and friends. Betty may not have shown love in the traditional huggy/kissy ways, but she was a champion for fairness and opportunity, striving to ensure her kids were treated equally, and were given opportunities she and Kenny did not have. Betty was adamant about always telling the truth, and taught her family to do the same. She was intensely proud of her husband, her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Although Betty never knew her birth father, she was able to connect with many of the Snider family members, beginning in 1999. This connection was a pivotal moment in her life, bringing peace, joy, and acceptance that helped heal a wound she had harbored since childhood. Betty’s family would like to thank the Snider family for welcoming Betty into their family and filling that void in her heart. Betty was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth (Kenny) Maynard Gilbert, her parents; her son John Gilbert; son-in-law Dave Mattson; and siblings Burton M. Fitzsimmons Sr., Loren M. Snider, Eugene R. Snider, John L. Snider, Judith G. Bailey, Mary L. Brewster. She is survived by daughters Karen Mattson, Keila Gilbert-Connelly (Joe); son Jim (Jeri); and brother George W. (Bill) Fitzsimmons (Miko). She is also survived by 11 grandchildren; Kent Mattson (Kira), Mindy Hubbard (Nick), Lacee Lalum (Damon), Bradley Gilbert, Skylar Gilbert, Colter Gilbert, Calvin Gilbert, Kevin Gilbert, Jeremy Coyle, Marisol Gilbert, Leidy Gilbert; and eight great grandchildren Giavanna Lynch, Bridger Mattson, Tiber Mattson, Kiva Mattson, Morgan Hubbard, Cannon Hubbbard, Wrigley Lalum, and Rylee Lalum,. A Celebration of Life service will be scheduled for Spring of 2021. Memorials are suggested to: Hi-Line Health Foundation P.O. Box 705 Chester, MT 59522 http://hilinehealth.org/
In Loving Memory of Kenneth Maynard (Kenny) Gilbert
In Loving Memory of Kenneth Maynard (Kenny) Gilbert
In Loving Memory of Kenneth Maynard (Kenny) Gilbert
1929 – 2019
Chester - A great man left us……
The world lost a gem on Monday, November 25th when Kenny Gilbert passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. He was a friendly and humorous soul, never missing an opportunity to joke with anybody and everybody whether he knew them or not. He had an insatiable curiosity and as a result, was a life-long learner who self-taught himself many trades.
Kenny loved and doted on the love of his life, Betty, for 72 years. They started with next to nothing, but with a strong work ethic, common sense, a sprinkle of stubbornness, and true love, they built a successful business, raised four kids, and spent decades traveling together.
Kenny was a great father and even better grandfather - always playful, and the best pancake and donut maker the world ever did see. He was a prankster extraordinaire, and will be remembered for his playful quick wit, his kind loving heart, and that infamous glass eye that played a role in many of his pranks. We're grateful God gave him to us for the short time he did, and we'll cherish our memories with him forever!
Kenny was born on June 4, 1929, in Chinook, Montana, to Emma Bertha Talmon Gilbert and Millard Glasco Gilbert. He was the 13th child out of 14 siblings. The family moved often as they were sharecroppers, and Kenny started his education in Harlem, Montana where he met his eventual wife, Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Fitzsimmons, in the first grade. After his father passed away in 1943, Kenny decided he had enough formal education and he ventured out into the working world to help support his mother and siblings remaining at home.
Kenny and Betty were married on November 30, 1947 and started their family. Kenny worked several jobs in the Chester area that were parts-related and eventually opened his own auto parts store in 1960, which he operated until he retired and sold it in 1996. During these years he participated in the Lions Club, Milk River Good Sams, Quartzsite Metal Detector Club. On April 11, 1998, Kenny was baptized into
the Catholic Church. He and Betty were members of the Queen of Peace Church in Quartzsite, Arizona, where they were snowbirds for several years.
Kenny was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Zella (Flossie), Lucy, Charles, Andrew, Elsie, Lewis, Sarah Louisa (Nane), Quentin, John, Calvin, Gaylord and son, John. He is survived by his wife Betty, daughters Karen Mattson, Keila Gilbert-Connelly (Joe) and son Jim (Jeri), sisters Lilly Kretchmer and Iris Hay. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren Kent Mattson (Kira), Mindy Hubbard (Nick), Lacee Lalum (Damon), Bradley Gilbert, Skylar Gilbert, Colter Gilbert, Calvin Gilbert, Kevin Gilbert, Jeremy Coyle, Marisol Gilbert and Leidy Gilbert along with 8 great grandchildren Bridger Mattson, Tiber Mattson, Kiva Mattson, Giavanna Lynch, Wrigley Lalum, Rylee Lalum, Morgan Hubbard and Cannon Hubbard.
A Celebration of Life service will be scheduled for July 2020.
Memorials are suggested to:
Hi-Line Health Foundation
P.O. Box 705
Chester, MT 59522
Please visit Kenny's online memorial and leave a message of condolence at www.asperfh.com.
Published in Great Falls Tribune from Nov. 29 to Dec. 3, 2019