Gertrude (Trudy) Annette Gilbert (Mckellin)

Gertrude (Trudy) Annette Gilbert

Trudy Gilbert, 94, passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at the Homestead in Montrose. Gertrude Annette “Trudy” Gilbert was born to Ira and Gertrude (Buss) McKellin on February 16, 1920 in Bethlehem, PA. She attended schools in Bethlehem and then worked for several years as a nanny. On December 14, 1939 she married Stanford D. Gilbert, and to that union two children were born – a daughter, Dawn C. Winkler, and a son, Stanford D. (“Terry”) Gilbert, Jr. Trudy and Stan celebrated 53 years of marriage.

For most of her life Trudy was a homemaker and a loving wife and mother. When her children were in high school and college, she worked as a waitress at the Northampton County Country Club. Trudy had many interests. She was a seamstress of note, tailoring many beautiful coats and suits for herself and her daughter. She also enjoyed knitting, quilting, and ceramic painting. She excelled at baking, as well, and pies were her specialty. Her brothers-in-law would frequently stop at the Gilbert home on their way home from a shift at the Bethlehem Steel Company to sample her baked goods. They claimed Trudy baked the best apple and cherry pies in the whole Lehigh Valley.

After Stan’s retirement, the couple relocated to Montrose, CO in order to enjoy the western life style   and to be near Dawn’s family. Spending time outdoors and traveling in their camper gave them great pleasure. They loved fishing at the various lakes and streams in western Colorado.  Although hunting was primarily Stan’s interest, Trudy willingly accompanied him on many deer and elk hunting trips occasionally bagging a larger animal than he did! Winters were spent at a retirement community in Tucson for many years until Stan passed away in 1992.

Trudy and Stan were doting grandparents, dearly loved and respected by their six grandchildren.  Camping and fishing trips, nature hikes, picnics, parties, stories, and “time” were just some of the gifts that Grandma and Grandpa gave to all of them. Trudy, especially, was never too busy to spend time playing a game, teaching a skill, or working on a project with one of her beloved grandchildren.

Surviving family members include: daughter Dawn C. Winkler (Louis), Montrose, Co; son Stanford D. Gilbert, Jr., Northampton, PA; grandchildren, Scott D. Winkler (Penny), Boise, ID, Kristin J. Hera (Cristian), Lancaster, MA, Todd L. Winkler (Melanie), Montrose, CO, Kimberly A. Repsher (John), Northampton, PA, Tracy L. Honea (Michael), Slatington, PA, Kyle L. Gilbert (Ryan Koch), Palmerton, PA; great grandchildren, Heidi and Dagny Winkler, Boise, ID, Anna Hera, Lancaster, MA, Shelby and Kasey Repsher, Northampton, PA, Jarrett Honea, Slatington, PA, Derrek and Jayce Koch, Palmerton, PA. Trudy was predeceased by her husband, her parents, one sister and three brothers.

Cremation has taken place and a private memorial service will be held in Montrose at a later date. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Crippin Funeral Home.