Kathleen Gilbert

Kathleen L. Gilbert, 69, of Van Wert passed away peacefully on October 17, 2020 at Bridge Hospice Care Center in the Blanchard Valley Hospital, Findlay, Ohio after losing her near 2 year battle with cancer. She was born on July 31,1951 in Mishawaka, Indiana to the late Everett and Gladys (Brumitt) Martin.

She is survived by her daughter, Kimberly (Gary) Wise of Bluffton, Ohio; and three grandchildren, Avery, Jackson, and Olivia Wise. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, James E. Gilbert; and a granddaughter, Sydney J. Wise.

Kathy was employed at Cooper Farms Cooked Meat of Van Wert for over 20 years. She was a member of the M.O.O.S.E. Women's Auxiliary for 38 years, and also belonged to the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary. Kathy was an avid sports fan and would argue over sports with anyone that gave her a chance. She enjoyed supporting the Miami Heat, New England Patriots, Ohio State Buckeyes, and the Atlanta Braves. Kathy was also a long time NASCAR and WWE fan. She loved going to live events with her family. One of her favorite memories was spending time at the Columbus Zoo with her grandchildren. Her grandchildren were her entire life and she made sure everyone knew it. She lived and breathed for them, as well as spent every moment possible with them. Even upon her declining health, she continued to take trips with her daughter's family, thoroughly enjoying every moment and memory created.

Kathy was a kind and incredibly strong, one-of-a-kind woman. She had a heart of gold and would help anyone in need. She brought joy to the lives of everyone she touched and will be deeply missed. She is irreplaceable and has left a deep hole in her family and friend's hearts.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday, October 22, 2020 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory.

Memorial contributions in Kathy`s memory may be directed to Bridge Hospice Care Center, 1900 S. Main Street, Findlay, Ohio 45840.

To share in Kathy's online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 S Washington Street, Van Wert, OH 45891.