Obituary of Helen Lucille Gilbert

Helen, a resident of Eugene and Veneta, OR since the 1940’s died Monday, April 18, 2022 at the age of 95. She was predeceased by her husband, William (Boots) Gilbert of 61 years; a son, Michael Gilbert; and a grandson Dustin Pack. She is survived by her daughters, Vicky White and Cynthia Pack; her grandchildren Jennifer Willemsen-Gilbert, Stephanie Gilbert, Scott & Tammy White, Kyle & Shalynn Pack and five great grandchildren, Devon, Zack, Archer, Remy, and 3-week old Cedar, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

Helen, a twin, was born to a blacksmith family of four brothers and two sisters in Ashdown, Arkansas, raised in Wellington, Texas and moved to Oregon soon after marrying the love of her life and Navy sailor, Boots, in 1948. She raised a family of three while working as an accountant and bookkeeper for Firestone Tire of  Eugene and her husband’s Dispensing Optician business known locally as the Optical Shoppe.

Helen was an avid outdoors-woman loving to hunt, fish, and crab. For many years she was a member of  Lane Leaders and the Trailer Sailors boat club cruising waters of the US and Canada. Helen and her family  shared many long car trips to visit family across the US including the cherished Gilbert family farm in  Oklahoma. She was a world traveler and always ready for an adventure with family. She was known and loved for her sharp wit and charming sense of humor, kindness, humility, tenacity, and dedication to family.  She will be greatly missed.

A per Helens request she wished to forego services and be cremated with her ashes mixed and spread with  her husbands at their home on the shores of Fern Ridge Lake. An informal celebration of life with family and  friends will be held at their home this summer.