Bette Rose Gilbert was born May 4, 1926 and passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 6, 2017.

Bette was the oldest of four children born to Thomas M. and Ruth L (Wilcox) Shoffner in St. Louis, MO. She married Thomas James Gilbert on April 18, 1947 in Springfield, MO, and they enjoyed 63 years together until his passing in 2010. They had two children, James Kelly and Roseanne.

Bette graduated from Pleasant Hope High School in 1944, attended Draughon's Business College and worked at Western Union. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Order of the Eastern Star, and Wesley United Methodist Church. She worked at City Utilities for over 26 years until her retirement in 1997, most of which was at the James River Power Plant.

Even after losing most of her eyesight to macular degeneration and battling to become a two-time breast cancer survivor, Bette always had a positive outlook on life. She saw the best in everyone, was kind, nurturing and an extraordinary wife and mother. Her family was her greatest joy. We take comfort in knowing that she has joined her beloved husband Tommy in heaven.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tommy, sister Emily Allan, and brother Tommy Shoffner.

Survivors include her son Kelly and his wife Cathy, daughter Roseanne, grandchildren Madison, Chelsea, and Alex, and sister Mary Jean Wilson. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, February 10, 2017 at 10:00 am at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 9, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.