Eva A. Gilbert

Eva A. Gilbert, 96, of Onaway, died at home Friday, January 14, 2022.  Born in Armada, March 9, 1925, Eva was the daughter of Andrew and Lettie (Millard) Scott. She married Verlin Gilbert April 26, 1947 in Onaway.

A wife, mother and homemaker, Eva was a wonderful cook and fabulous baker. She was known for her homemade bread and pies, with her apple pie being so delicious, that friends would bring fresh picked apples for her to bake one of her masterpiece pies. Eva had quite a “green thumb”; she always planted a vegetable garden and grew beautiful flowers which she continued doing even when she moved into Lynn Street Manor.  It was not uncommon to see Eva tending to blooms and pulling weeds on the grounds of the Manor or working in the vegetable garden she planted there. She loved watching the hummingbirds that visited her large assortment of hummingbird feeders and enjoyed crocheting intricate doilies, which she gifted to her family and friends.

A lifelong resident of Onaway, Eva was well-known in the community.  She was “Mom Gilbert” or “Grandma Gilbert” not only to her own brood, but to many of their friends as well. Devoted to her faith, Eva was a member of the Onaway Seventh-day Adventist Church for nearly 60 years where she was active in church activities.  She volunteered her time at the Dorcus Center years ago and was a greeter at Sabbath services each week. She knew her Bible well, as she studied it almost daily, and often kept notes on scriptures that were meaningful to her. 

Eva will be remembered as an amazing woman who was active well into her 90s with a sharp mind right until she passed away.  She was determined, independent, kindhearted and humble.&nb

sp; She will be sadly missed by her daughter, Alice (Emery) Welch of Onaway; sons, Ray of Anchorage, Alaska, Edward of Nashville, Michigan, John (Deanna) of Onaway and Rick (Tammy) of Orion Township; daughters-in-law, Arla Gilbert and Judy (Leaton) Stevens, both of Onaway; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Eva was preceded in death by her former husband, Verlin Gilbert; infant son, Ronald Kenneth; sons, Gary and Andrew; grandchildren, Sam Gilbert and JoAnn Gilbert; sisters, Rosslyn Crull and Verna Hamblin; and brothers, Billy, Robert and Stanley Scott.

A graveside service will be held at North Allis Township Cemetery at 1 p.m. Friday May 6.  The Rev. Paul Ratsara will officiate. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Eva to the Onaway Seventh-day Adventist Church.  Arrangements are in care of Chagnon Funeral Home.