Ruth Meinert Gilbert

Ruth was born on March 22, 1928, in Winona Minnesota, to Helen L. Meinert and Albert E. Meinert. She was the second oldest of four children. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Craig P. Gilbert, and by her three siblings, John K. Meinert, Mary E.M. Austin, and Karl F. Meinert, by her grandson Geoff C. Gilbert (Lindsey), and by her daughter-in-law Margarita Gilbert (Laird).

She is survived by her four loving children, Laird K. Gilbert, David E. Gilbert (Lynn), Jane E. Pineda (Jaime), and Roger M Gilbert (Janet), and by seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Ruth adored her parents and was very proud of them. Along with her siblings, growing up she enjoyed spending many summer weeks at their family cottage on the shore of Lac Courte Oreilles near Hayward Wisconsin. She enjoyed drama during her Winona High School years. Ruth first met her husband Craig at a dance at Saint Mary’s College in Winona. Her father, Dr Meinert, was impressed enough with Craig that he offered to provide the ladder if she wanted to run away and elope. They were married in Winona on June 26, 1948 when Ruth was 20 years old.

Ruth graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1950 with a degree in social work. Craig had already started his career as an attorney in Saint Paul Minnesota. Shortly after their first son Laird was born in Saint Paul in 1951, the family moved to Duluth Minnesota.

Ruth originally dedicated herself as a homemaker. She and Craig, however, faced health challenges as the family expanded to four children. Craig unfortunately became severely afflicted with MS. Ruth admirably took charge of all aspects of the household and home economics, and lovingly raised her family while caring for her ailing husband for nearly 30 years until his death in 1990.

From that point forward until her short illness just prior to her death in October 2026, Ruth fully enjoyed her remaining years – often in the companionship of her friends or children, with her friend Dolph Campbell, or regularly either participating in or traveling as a choir member of La Jolla Presbyterian Church. Ruth was a long-time member and leader of the La Jolla Villagers. Throughout this time, for nearly 50 years, Ruth especially cherished her friendship with her helper Anabel Gutierrez. In Ruth’s later years, Anabel became Ruth’s wonderful caregiver. Ruth loved her dearly.

Ruth adored living in her home in La Jolla, CA and enjoyed exploring all aspects of San Diego sunshine, places to see and dine, and the sight of the ocean.

A private memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, November 14, 2026 at her home in La Jolla, CA.