Mabel Gilbert

A gentle, gracious, and unassuming woman, Mabel Gilbert was a precious gift given to her friends and loved ones. She made the most of every day she was given while embracing each moment as an opportunity to spread her warmth. Mabel loved being a mother, but she just may have argued that being a grandmother was both her highest calling and her greatest reward. Guided by her faith, she was never concerned with building wealth or accumulating possessions, rather, she set her sights on loving and accepting those around her without condition. With a life that spanned nearly a century, Mabel created a collection of memories that will be fondly remembered by all those she leaves behind.

It was on March 11, 1919, that a young couple from Marcellus, Michigan gave birth to their first child, Mabel Emroy. Mabel was the oldest of four children born to her parents, Arthur and Eldora (Mann) Reigle, and was raised in the family home alongside her siblings, LaVern, Lucille, and Shirley in Marcellus, located in the southwestern region of the state. Her parents were hardworking farmers who established a strong work ethic in their children by their example.

In many ways Mabel experienced a typical childhood on the family farm and graduated from Schoolcraft High School in 1937. Mabel lost her mother at a young age and her father later remarried Mae Bradley who brought her two sons, Art and Dale, into the family.

It was while working as a receptionist for Dr. Snyder that Mabel met the young man she would eventually marry, George Gilbert, who also worked for the doctor as his driver. With a desire to establish a life together Mabel and George were united in marriage on August 14, 1937, in Indiana. Together they were blessed with four children: Norma, Ron, Luana, and Carol. From the moment she became a mother the role seemed to be tailor made just for Mabel as she fully embraced the enormity of the task. As her children grew older and began establishing families of their own, she became the best mother-in-law anyone could ever ask for. In addition, Mabel was completely overjoyed when grandchildren arrived. She and George loved spending time with them and it was easy to see that her grandchildren were her most priceless treasure. In fact, an endless smile spread across her face at only the mention of her grandchildren’s names. After 61 years of marriage, Mabel was deeply saddened with the death of her beloved husband George in 1998.

Although there was no greater priority in Mabel’s life than her family, she kept busy with a variety of interests. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Schoolcraft serving as an Elder; as well as being a life-time member of the Order of the Eastern Star. For 25 years, Mabel worked as the head cook of the Schoolcraft Community Schools, retiring in 1980. Mabel was a wonderful cook and her family enjoyed many delicious, home-made Sunday dinners around the large dining room table. More than anywhere else, Mabel loved spending her summers at Big Cedar Lake where she sat for hours on the deck high above the water watching George fish and her children swim. There was no place else she would rather be. As an avid Detroit Tigers fan, Mabel could often be found listening to their games.

Easygoing and kindhearted, Mabel Gilbert was a woman who was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She always had a smile on her face and was able to see the positive side in every situation. Mabel was filled with a quiet strength coupled with an unwavering faith that carried her through whatever challenges came her way. It was common knowledge that her family was her greatest source of pride and joy, her devotion to them unmatched. Mabel will be dearly missed and warmly remembered.

Mabel Emroy Gilbert of Schoolcraft died on Monday, April 15th, 2013. Mabel’s family includes her four children: Norma Gilbert, of Kalamazoo; Ron (Connie) Gilbert, of Portage; Luana Gilbert, of Portage; and Carol (Eddy) Schuck, of Schoolcraft in addition to three grandchildren: Andrew (Angela) Gilbert, of Climax; Erin (John) Boedeker, of Berkley; Robert Schuck, of Durham, NC; three great-grandchildren: Logan and Ashlynn Gilbert and Lucia Boedeker; one sister, Shirley (Russell) Morlan and one step-brother Art Bradley; and several nieces and nephews. Mabel was preceded in death by her husband, George; brother, LaVern Reigle and step-brother, Dale Bradley; and sister, Lucille Reigle. The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 18th from 12 noon-2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Schoolcraft, 224 East Cass. The funeral service will be on Thursday at 2 p.m. at the same location. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Schoolcraft or the Riverview Manor Nursing Home, Three Rivers. Please visit Mabel’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign the guestbook and leave a memory. The family is being assisted by the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg (269-649-1697).