Mary Lou Gilbert

Mary Lou Gilbert, of Wheatfield, passed away peacefully at home on October 7, 2024.

Mary Lou was born on September 20, 1932, the daughter of Frances (Coplin) Childers and Jack Childers. She was the eldest of four children. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her sister: Maxine Sweitzer, her brother: Donald Childers, and twin great granddaughters. She is survived by one sister: Norma Spurgeon.

On February 23, 1951, Mary Lou married Robert Gilbert. They went on to have three children: Nancy England, Flora McIntyre, and Roy (Vicki) Gilbert. She became a widow in 1969 and never remarried.

Mary has ten grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

Mary lived an interesting life, much of it was lived in Illinois. She liked to say, “If I wrote a book, it’d be a best seller!” For the last 7 years, she’s lived with and been cared for by her daughter: Nancy. Mary was easy going and happy, and enjoyed talking to people. Her favorite saying in these later years has been, “Do you know how old I am?” or “Guess how old I am.” She loved celebrating her birthday. Mary enjoyed recalling her childhood days on the farm working with her dad.

Mary just turned 92 on September 20, 2024.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at the Boersma Funeral Home, 90 E. Grove St., Wheatfield, Indiana.

Per Mary’s wishes cremation will follow.

Interment will be at the Fair Oaks Cemetery on a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to VNA Hospice: 501 Marquette St., Valparaiso, Indiana.

Thank you to the family for writing this obituary.