Kathleen Elaine Gilbert

GILBERT Our beloved Wife, Mom and Grandma, Kathleen Elaine Gilbert of Hastings, passed away on March 21, 2013, at the age of 69. The battle with ALS has been won and she now lives with her Lord and Savior. Kathy was born in Keego Harbor, Michigan to the late Frank and Hazel Kowalski, the 6th of 6 children. As a young child, the family moved to Manistee. Following the death of her mother in 1952, Kathy was raised by her sister, Patricia (Don) Sonneberg. Following high school, she attended WMU and then worked at Michigan National Bank and Azzar Store Equipment.

In May of 1965, Kathy and James K. Gilbert were united in marriage at the Manistee Congregational Church and he survives. Kathy leaves behind her two sons, James D. (Mandi) and Jeffery D. (Teressa). She is also survived by 7 special grandchildren, Sydney, Kensey and James R, Chamus (Justina), Makyre, Raston and Tekoah. Also surviving are sisters, Patricia (Sterling) Seaton of Jonesville, Marilyn (Kay) Clouse of Onekama and brothers, Frank Collins of Byron Center, Jack (Jeanne) Kowalski of Dubuque, IA, and Robert (Joanne) Kowalski of Tampa, FL. Also surviving are a brother-in-law, Don Sonneberg of Stronach and a special niece and nephew, Shannon Crawford of Lansing and Scott Sonneberg of Stronach. Her dog Cheetie and grandpuppies, Sophie and Annabelle will also miss her.

Following her wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service officiated by her son, Rev. Jeffery Gilbert will take place at Cook Funeral Home in Byron Center followed by interment in the family plot at Winegar Cemetery in Byron Center. Memorial contributions may be made to MacKenzies Animal Sanctuary, 8935 Thompson Rd, Clarksville, MI 48815. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guestbook online at www.cookcares.com.