Obituary of Phyllis May Gilbert

Phyllis Gilbert September 2, 1930 - May 30, 2018 Phyllis was born on Sept. 2 1930 in Mont Nebo. She lived with her grandfather's brother until approx age 3. Phyllis then went to live with her grandfather for a short time and then she went to live with her mom and step father. She lived in many places in the first 8 or 10 years of her life but finally ended up in Big River. At age 15 she left home and got a job babysitting for the local doctor. She met Richard, on August 29, 1951 they were married. They raised 6 children (3 boys and 3 girls). She worked on an off throughout the years. Sometimes as a phone operator but, most times a cook at the hotel cafe or in the bush for Wally Wilson. Her ability to cook or bake was her signature. If you stopped by the house on bread day, you would go home with a loaf of bread or some buns. She was known as the bread lady or the soup lady. As a family she had signature dishes for us from fried macaroni and bologna to dough gods, chicken haddie (which we found out later was not really chicken!), stew and dumplings or spec rouses (that's a ham and onion bun). There was always something to eat and something to drink at Phil's house. She liked to knit, read, play cards from canasta to crib and she was a great story teller, always regaling us with the stories of her past. She was proud of her children. They could do no wrong. She loved her husband and missed him so much when he passed. She stayed at her home until the day she broke her hip approximately 9 years ago. After that she moved into the Lakewood lodge. She learned to knit dish cloths there and she had so many that she would give them away to most people that came into her room. She also realized that she could paint and made lots of pictures. You could always go into her room for a game of crib, and some residents did. She was a strong woman and survived many "health issues" from a brain aneurysm, to broken ribs, to a heart attack. She survived them all and seemed to come out stronger in the end. She was the matriarch of our family and ruled it with respect and love. A Funeral Service was held Monday, June 4, 2018 at 2:00 pm at the Big River Community Hall, Big River, SK with Delores Beaulac officiating. Holly Gilbert and Rob Warriner shared memories of Phyllis, Honorary Pallbearers were considered “All who have shared in Phyllis’ life” and the Urn Bearer was Roy Gilbert. Phyllis’ Final Resting Place is in the Big River Cemetery. Following a private family interment, the family invited all those in attendance were invited for lunch and fellowship in the hall. Phyllis is lovingly remembered by: her Children and Grandchildren: Sandra Gilbert of Big River, SK and daughter: Christa, Ron (Arlene) Gilbert of Big River, SK and sons: Travis (Nicole); Evan, Roy (Karen) Gilbert of Big River, SK and son: Zachery (Kristal), Guy (Donna) Gilbert of Big River, SK and children: Michelle (Jeff); Nadine (Howard); Ashley (Jody); Kari (Brent); Celynne (Josh), Holly Gilbert (Joe) of Edmonton, AB and children: Justin; Nathaniel; Courtney, Heather (Digger) Pond of Dryden, ON and children: Alexandra; Joshua, her siblings: Sid (Bernice) Beeds of Clinton, BC; Elvin (Sydney Jean) Beeds of Clinton, BC; Ivan (Joanne) Beeds of Shellbrook, SK; Loreen Beeds of Big River, SK; Rose Beeds of ONT also numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by: her husband, Richard Hargreaves Gilbert, November 29, 1997, her mother, Ethel Beeds and step-father, John Beeds, her siblings: James Gouldhawke, Eileen Myers, Jack Beeds, Shirley Ledoux, Lee Beeds and Andy Beeds. Memorial Donations may be made to the Lakewood Lodge Auxiliary, Big River, SK in memory of Phyllis Gilbert as tokens of remembrance. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau "Lac" Funeral Home, Edward Beaulac, Funeral Director, Big River (306-469-2277).