Joanne A. Gilbert

Joanne A. Gilbert Dowling Joanne A. Gilbert, age 80, of Dowling, MI, formerly of Battle Creek, died Saturday afternoon, October 3, 2009, at Battle Creek Health Systems, surrounded by her loving family. Joanne was born on February 28, 1929 in Battle Creek and was a lifetime area resident. She was the daughter of Merton L. and Helen A. (Barnes) Taylor. Joanne was a 1947 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School, worked for Post Cereals and retired as a secretary for Behnke Trucking of Battle Creek. She was a former member of the First Presbyterian Church and had volunteered at the area hospitals. Joanne enjoyed sewing, bowling, jigsaw puzzles, arts and crafts and monthly soirees with her Sorority Sisters, but her passion in life was her family, especially her grandchildren. In 1953, in Battle Creek, she was united in marriage to Orin E. "Bud" Gilbert, who preceded her in death on June 3, 1981. Surviving are her three daughters, Lynda J. (Henry) Cain-Tanner of Delton, MI, Jane E. (Jerry) Drewyor of Dowling and Paula A. (Ken) Walker of Battle Creek; her son, David M. (Sandy) Gilbert of Delton; two step-sons, Jerry D. (Jane) Gilbert of Marshall and Larry J. Gilbert of Hermiston, OR; 25 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews, Rodney Darling, Kathy Cook, Julie Piper and Chris Darling and their families. She was preceded in death by her sister, Joyce Darling in 1989. At the request of the family, friends may call on Tuesday, October 6th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Battle Creek. The funeral service to celebrate Joanne's life will be held on Wednesday, October 7th at 2:00 pm at the Funeral Home with Mr. Phil Courtright, Pastor at Thornapple Valley Church, officiating. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Battle Creek. Memorial contributions in Joanne's honor may be made to the Barry County Hospice, 450 Meadow Run Drive, Hastings, MI, 49058. Personal messages for the family may be sent to www.farleyestesdowdle.com