Gilberta was born April 9, 1934 in Albion to Bert and Lorene (Stennett) Rector. She wed Darrel A. Gillard on March 19, 1951 in Fairfield, IL. He preceded her in death on December 25, 1998.
Per her wishes, she will be cremated and private family burial services will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Macedonia Cemetery west of West Salem, IL.
Gilberta babysat for her five grandchildren while they were young, worked at the Gambles Store, and later in life worked for Community Care. She enjoyed reading and helping the Albion Public Library and helped with decorating for Christmas for a time.
She had attended grade school and high school in West Salem.
Survivors include her daughter Karen L. Smith of Albion; son-in-law Steve Brokaw of Fairfield; sister Mary (Bob) Leigh of Albion; and a brother, Robert Rector of Harrisburg, IL; Grandchildren: Gavin (Rachel) Smith of Killeen, TX, Collin (Toni) Smith of Hood River, OR, Dustin (Mindy) Brokaw of Fairfield, and Kami (Eric) Huddelston of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Great-Grandchildren: Lexi and Corbin Smith, Ethan, Adalyn, and Avery Smith, Lauren and Benton Huddleston, and Wren and Crew Brokaw.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Darrel, daughter Gail, son-in-law Greg Smith, and grandson Damien Brokaw.
Memorials may be made to the Albion Public Library or the Senior Citizens Center of Albion.
Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.ingramfh.net
Ingram Funeral Home of Albion is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.
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