Betty J. Gilbert

Betty J. Gilbert, age 72, of Venice, FL passed away on Sunday, March 13, 2016. Born on July 1, 1943 in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Roy and Ethel (Ranck) Baker. Betty was married to the late Guenther (�"Gil”) for just ten short years. He was the ‘love of her life’.

She served in the Army, and then was an administrator by trade, rising to be a leader at both Oakland Community College and Schoolcraft College, in Michigan. She retired full time to Florida, moving closer to her daughter and two of her grandchildren.

Betty was active in many activities including golfing, bowling, bocce ball, card making, and the Red Hat Society when she retired to Florida. Even during her long fourteen year fight with cancer she kept a positive outlook on life, believing life was about living and not worrying about what could or will happen.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Brenda (Roame) Amboyan of Port Charlotte, Florida and her children Brittany Amboyan of Brandon, Florida and Travis Amboyan of Port Charlotte, Florida, and Betty’s son, Charles (Chip) Roame of Belvedere, California and his son Blake Roame of Belvedere, California. She is survived by four stepsons including Peter Gilbert, David Gilbert (Ann), Robert Gilbert, and Richard Gilbert (Terri), all of Michigan and their children Jason Gilbert, Elizabeth Gilbert, Emily Gilbert, and Christian Gilbert. She is also survived by her brother Robert (�"Bob”) Baker of Summerdale, Pennsylvania and her sister Barbara (�"Barb”) (Baker) Christman (Larry) of Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania. She leaves behind her ‘little sweetie’, Rosa, her canine companion, who brought her much happiness.

She meant the world to her grandchildren. She encouraged Brittany to continue her education and Brittany has followed in her grandmother’s footsteps. She always encouraged Travis to follow his dreams. She meant more to Blake than any other relative, playing an active role in his first seven years, and traveling with him and his father all while she battled cancer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Guenther (�"Gill”) Gilbert, her sister Bonita (�"Bonnie”) Underwood of Largo, Florida, and her brother William (�"Bill”) Baker of Lower Paxton Township, Pennsylvania.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Betty’s caregivers including Dr. Vance Wright-Browne for her care for Betty over many, many years and to her staff who always encouraged Betty in her treatment process.

We also wish to thank Larry Underwood, Betty’s brother-in-law, who was her constant companion and friend in her later days. To all those that drove her to doctors’ appointments, made her meals, and those that took Rosa for a walk when she was just not up to it.