She was born to Alice Angela (Laeng) and Osler Hiram LaBarre, in Hayesville, Ashland County, Ohio on April 5, 1935, and was delivered at home by her paternal grandfather, Irwin H. LaBarre, MD.
Growing up in Crestline, OH, she graduated from Crestline High School in 1953. She worked for a time after high school at the Shelby Depot and then at Barnes Pumps in Mansfield. On July 9, 1956, she married Charles Leo Gilbert of Ontario, OH, in Winchester, VA., and subsequently they had 2 children, Judith Ann and Stephan Charles. For much of her children’s lives she was a stay-at-home mom who enjoyed sewing, canning, gardening, baking, and being involved with The Girl Scouts and The Cub Scouts. When her children were older, she worked for Sears and retired from the auditing department in 2000.
In later years, she was involved with the Richland County Republican Women and quilting for hospice patients. Most recently she was a part of the Snuggled In Hope Quilters group.
She is survived by her daughter, Judith Ann Gilbert of Sunbury, OH; son, Stephan Charles (Darla) Gilbert of Ontario, OH, as well as grandchildren Falyn Harlene (fiancé James Harrison) Gilbert, D.C., of Burleson, TX, Kylie Alea (fiancé Malte Schumm) Thompson of Sunbury, OH, and Scott Stephan (Ali) Gilbert of Ontario, OH. Great-grandchildren include Paisley Lynn Gilbert, Leah Mallory Gilbert, Gwendalyn Harlene Harrison, Thomas James Harrison, and Callum Leo Schumm. In addition, she is also survived by her sister-in-law, Marian E. (Gilbert) Henry; niece, Rebecca (Robert) Earick; and nephew, James Lee (Jamie) Henry, all of Ontario, OH; great nephews, Tim (Rachel) Hauck, Jim (Joee) Hauck, Justin (Chelsea) Henry; and great-nieces, Jordyn Henry and Rachel Kinsey; as well as several great-great nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles in 2020; great granddaughter, Mallory Irene Gilbert; brother, Darrell LaBarre; and niece, Cheryl Hauck.
The family will receive friends from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. The funeral officiated by Pastor Carol Kilgore will immediately follow at 12:00 pm. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Snuggled In Hope Quilts (Snuggled In Hope Quilts, P.O. BOX 53, Mt Gilead, Ohio 43338) or the Springfield Township Fire Department.
The family wishes to thank Crystal Care (Mansfield) for loving Mom.
