Rachel Gilbert

Hastings resident, Rachel Jean Gilbert, 80, passed away Friday, March 25, 2016 at Mary Lanning Healthcare, Hastings, Nebraska.

Services will be Tuesday, March 29, 2016; 11:00 A.M. at First United Methodist Church, Hastings with Pastor Greg Lindenberger and Rev. Dr. Samuel R. Rathod officiating. Private family burial will be at a later date in Red Cloud Cemetery, Red Cloud. Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church. Visitation will be Monday, March 28, 2016; 1:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. with family present 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home, and one hour prior to service at the church.

Rachel was born January 12, 1936 in Webster County, Nebraska on the family farm near Inavale to Elwin & Ruth (Drake) Shipman. Rachel's mother, Ruth, died when Rachel was 4 years old. She was raised by her father, Elwin and step-mother, Bessie Shipman. She graduated from Inavale High School in 1953 and attended Kearney State Teachers College. Rachel married Earnest Ray Gilbert on August 17, 1953; he preceded her in death on February 5, 2006. They moved to Hastings in 1966. She taught country school for one year and worked as a bookkeeper for Jack & Jill Grocery Store for 40+ years; retiring at the age of 75. Rachel was a member of First United Methodist Church. She became an avid sports fan after her husband passed away. Rachel enjoyed the Golden Age Center and the activities there, tending to her garden and flowers, cooking and canning, and attending family activities and spending time with her grandkids and great grandkids.

Rachel was preceded in death by her parents: step-mother, Bessie Shipman; husband, Earnest Ray Gilbert; sister, Viola Hansen; brother, Keith Shipman; and daughter-in-law Veronica Gilbert.

SURVIVORS:
Children & Spouses:
Linda & John Kresser - Juniata, NE
Ricky Gilbert & special friend Lois Hensley - Hastings, NE
Mitch & Staci Gilbert -- Hastings, NE
Grandchildren & Spouses:
Chane & Michaele Clark - Elkhorn, NE
Trent & Mandi Clark - Hastings, NE
Rachel Yost & special friend Jade Ballard - Grand Island, NE
Dawn Bartlett - Watertown, NY
Angie Drahota - Ravenna, NE
Lisa & Gabe Bartlett - Torrington, WY
Jaimee Gilbert & boyfriend Ethan Wiese - Columbus, NE
Great-Grandchildren:
11
Great-Great-Grandchildren:
2
Siblings & Spouses:
Clifford & Leta Shipman - Nampa, ID
Ardis & Bill Brown - Smith Center, KS
Gerald & Sharon Shipman - Cambridge, NE
Bev Gryp - Preemption, IL
Several Nieces, Nephews & Cousins