Wanda Jean Gilbert, 91, of El Dorado passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at Timberlane Health and Rehabilitation. She was born on March 29, 1933 to Otis Buell and Minerva Batchelor Maze in Wright City, OK.
Wanda was a devout Christian and faithful servant of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and of the Assembly of God faith. Wanda spent most of her life in the service industry including being a manager at McDonald’s and as the co-owner of Hokies. In her early years, she spent weekends camping and water skiing with family, then transitioned to supporting her family activities including Wildcat football, motorcycle riding, and beauty pageants. More recently she enjoyed socializing with her friends at HealthWorks and working in her yard and flower beds. Wanda was the epitome of selflessness and humility with an infectious smile that touched so many people.
Preceding her in death were her parents; in-laws Octis and Velma Gilbert, sister and brother-in-law Mary Jo and Donzel Tomlinson; sister Faye Maze; brother and sister-in-law Norman and Cathyrine Maze; and great grandson Caden Raley.
Those left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 67 years, Gil Gilbert; daughter Kim Stell of El Dorado; son Keith Gilbert (Noel) of Florida, son Wade Gilbert of El Dorado; godson Chris Maes of Florida; god daughter Rachel West Kenning of Utah; and grandchildren Wendy Raley (Cody); Britney Snell (Scott), Ryan Stell (Christy) all of El Dorado; Tyler Gilbert (Emmy) and Logan Gilbert (Aviles) of Florida; Aidan Waldorf of El Dorado. Great grandchildren Cyler, Cason and McKenna Raley, Logan Snell, Andrew Cameron and Payton Jacob all of El Dorado as well as many nieces and cousins. Wanda was also
blessed with her long-time special friendship with Janice Smith of El Dorado as well as many other close friends.
The family would like to thank the staff of Timberlane Health and Rehabilitation for the amazing love and care they provided for our dear mother over the past couple of years. In addition, we are grateful for Ms Evelyn Porter, mom’s roommate and friend, who also assisted and cared for her.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 10, 2024 at Young’s.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 11, 2024 in Young's Chapel with Rick Snell officiating. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors. Pallbearers will be Ryan Stell, Andrew Cameron, Cody Raley, Cyler Raley, Scott Snell, and Aidan Waldorf.
Memorials may be made to the Arkansas Children's Hospital, 1 Children's Way, Little Rock, AR 72202.
Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Gilbert family.
