Frances Rebecca Gilman

“Becky”

September 25, 1946 – May 14, 2026

Frances Rebecca Ketner Gilman, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed peacefully from this world on May 14, 2026, at her home in Gilman, Virginia. Known to all who loved her as “Becky,” she was born on September 25, 1946, in Norfolk, Virginia, to Frances Arvin Ketner and Robert Monroe Ketner Jr., and lived a life defined by devotion, warmth, and tireless care for her family.

Becky was the cherished wife of William Byron “Buddy” Gilman, who preceded her in death on August 30, 2024. Together they built a life and a legacy in Gilman, Virginia, raising their family and running their business together, Gilman Logging. She was Buddy’s steadfast partner in every sense, and their love endured far beyond his passing.

Becky poured herself into her home and her children. She had a remarkable talent for renovation, and over the years transformed many houses into warm and beautiful spaces with her own hands and vision. Whether she was stretching a budget, fixing up a room, or simply making a house feel like home, Becky had a gift for it.

Those who knew Becky best knew that she was always available — always. She loved spending long summer days swimming in her pool, going to the river, tending her flowers and garden, and her phone was never far from her hand, as she cherished long conversations with family near and far. No matter the hour or the need, she showed up. She was the kind of person who made you feel like the most important person in the world, and she had a rare and beautiful way of holding everyone together.

She was, simply put, the best — the best mother, the best grandmother, and the best great-grandmother her family could have ever hoped for.

She is survived by her devoted children: Mary Frances Gilman, Becky Ann Gilman Davis and her husband Dwayne Davis, and Howard Gilman and his wife Michelle Gilman. Ten grandchildren, Braelyn Phipps (Josh), Gilman Robinson (Emily), Camille Clifton (Dan), Marielle Robinson, Victoria Robinson, I.R. Robinson, Forrest Robinson, Ben Gilman, Ema Gilman, and Luc Gilman, five great-grandchildren, Byron Phipps, Adeline Robinson, Colton Robinson, Birdie Clifton, and Jack Clifton, and her brother, Robert Monroe Ketner III.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Byron “Buddy” Gilman, her mother, Frances Rebecca Smith, who died February 23rd, 2026, and her brother, Henry Ernest Ketner II.

Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the blessing of knowing her.