Carolyn S. Gilbert

Carolyn S. Gilbert, 69, of Flora, died Saturday, March 29, 2008, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Specialty Hospital, Lafayette.

Born Aug. 3, 1938, in Howard County, she was the daughter of Harold and Eula Ellison Catron. She graduated in 1956 from Burlington High School. On Oct. 6, 1957, she married Byron D. Gilbert, and he survives.

Carolyn worked as a secretary at Carroll Jr.-Sr. High School for nearly 30 years, retiring in January. She was a farm wife and had also worked at Waddell's IGA and Zook's Hardware in Burlington and Burlington Telephone.

She was a member of the Oakland Christian Church in Russiaville. She was also a Carroll Athletic Booster and an honorary member of the Future Farmers of America.

Carolyn was always devoted to her family, who knew she was never more than a phone call away. Whether it was sending a care package of homemade goodies during finals, playing card or board games with her grandkids on a weekend visit, or taking off school at a moment's notice to care for a sick grandchild, Carolyn was the embodiment of love and devotion to her family. Even during her illness the last month of her life, she continued to make sure that those around her were okay and to give the information that she knew they would need when she was gone.

Surviving with her husband are her mother of Russiaville; four children, Melinda Petry (husband: Chuck) of Lafayette, David Gilbert (wife: Norma) of Flora, Nancy Cangany (husband: Jim) of Indianapolis and Tina Siefert (husband: John) of Fishers; eight grandchildren, Brant Gilbert (wife: Brandy) of St. Louis, Mo., Cole Gilbert (wife: Abby) of Flora, Hilary Gilbert of West Lafayette, Chad and Joe Petry of Lafayette, Ryan and Aidan Cangany of Indianapolis, and Will Siefert of Fishers; a greatgranddaughter, Haven Gilbert of Flora; two sisters, Janet McIlrath (husband: Bud) and Joyce Sibbett (husband: Jerry), both of Flora; and two brothers, Keith Catron (wife: Jane) of Kokomo and Tim Catron (wife: Deborah) of West Lafayette. Dozens of nieces and nephews and their children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren also survive.

Her father and a sister preceded her in death.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. today, Wednesday, at Reinke Funeral Home, Flora, with Pastors Allen Weldy and Dan Butcher officiating. Burial will be at Maple Lawn Cemetery, Flora.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Carolyn Gilbert Scholarship in care of the Carroll County Community Foundation. Envelopes are available at the funeral home and the school.