Donna Lee Gilbert, 80, of Cameron, IL, passed away at 2:40 pm, Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at Seminary Manor, Galesburg, IL.
Donna was born July 12, 1940, in McDonough County the daughter of Louis and Julia (Blansett) Burk. She was raised in the Monmouth area and attended Monmouth High School.
Donna married William E. “Bill” Gilbert in Monmouth, IL on August 4, 1966, and he passed away on August 3, 2016.
Donna worked at Butler Manufacturing and Carhart, both in Galesburg, IL. She later was the caregiver to Velma Armstrong for many years.
She was a longtime member of the Cameron Christian Church and the Red Hat Society where she was known as the Red Hat Queen Bee. Donna was a hat fanatic and enjoyed looking for a good bargain at yard sales. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, Tea Time with her girlfriends, spending time at the cabin with friends, playing cards with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, dancing, listening to music, and watching westerns. She was also known to enjoy a good joke.
Survivors include her daughters, Paulett (Jeff) Bendixon of Rochelle, IL, Pam Vail, Kim Vail, Brenda Vail, Jonna Vail, and Kristyne (Duane Bonifer) Gilbert of Monmouth, IL; one son, Larry Gilbert. She had many grandchildren including, Samantha (Steve) Oaks, Savanna (Jeremie) Teel, Siera (Brandon Harrison) Candor, Danielle (John Zimmerman) Bendixon, Liam Merritt-Gilbert, Cross Merritt-Gilbert, Bella Merritt-Gilbert, Kelcey Duy, and Kyle Bradford; many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Two sisters, Sandra Brown of Alexis, IL and Karolyn Tomlinson of Las Vegas, NV; special friend, Gary Davis of Cameron, IL.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, great-grandson, Hayden Losey, brothers, Max Burk and Jerry Burk.
A private family service is being planned. Memorials may be made out to Donna Gilbert and sent to the funeral home. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
