In Loving Memory

Thelma Mae Gilbert

Thelma Mae Gilbert, a 30-year Rice area resident, passed away peacefully at her home on July 16, 2022 with her loving husband and family by her side.  She was born in Southwest City, MO on November 12, 1930, the third of four children of Jahu and Sallie (Hobaugh) Williams.

As a young girl, Thelma had to walk two miles to and from the one-room schoolhouse she attended.  When she was a teenager, she helped her mother cleaning houses to help out the family financially.  Thelma married at a young age and had two beautiful daughters, Pam and Sandy.  Thelma would divorce and was left to raise her two daughters on her own.  She would eventually meet George "Brownie" Davis and the two would wed and then welcome a son, Philip.  George adopted Pam and Sandy and raised them as his own.  Thelma instilled the teachings of hard work and determination into her children which remain present to this day and on down the line to their children and grandchildren.   Sadly, George was diagnosed with stomach cancer, and Thelma cared for him and nursed him in their home until his passing in 1981.  Thelma would marry Emmett Danelli, a member of her church, and after only a year of marriage he was diagnosed with A.L.S., and again, she lovingly cared for and took care of him until his passing.

Through the progression of time, Thelma met her present husband, George Gilbert at the First Baptist Church of Sonoma, CA.  They would wed and honeymoon in Florida in service with the WYAM as missionaries.  Several years later, they found their forever home on the shores of Lake Roosevelt where they have remained ever since.  Thelma had many talents, she was an amazing cook, creator of all things from Afghans, sewing her children's clothing and curtains, knitting, crocheting and embroidery.  She always kept her mind and hands busy, especially taking on 500 piece "impossible" jigsaw puzzles and getting together with friends and neighbors to play games.

Thelma was absolutely 100% devoted to her children, grandchildren and husband.  She was an honest and fair woman not afraid to speak her mind, a warm and inviting friend and neighbor, and a very grounded and determined person.  Thelma was so very proud of her children and grandchildren and was respected by them.  She had a deep faith and love for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Thelma is now at perfect peace free of her earthly ailments.

Thelma was preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Pam.  She is survived by her husband, George Gilbert; daughter, Sandy (Alston) Jones, Boise, ID; son, Philip (Judy) Davis, San Mateo, CA; grandchildren Jimmy Cooper, Ty Freese, Casey Dana; great grandchildren, Riley Dana, Alex Cooper and Tyler Barney.