Mary Ruth Gilbert

Mary Ruth Gilbert, 91, formerly of Affton (St. Louis area), Mo., passed away peacefully on Jan. 21, at the Villages of St. Peters. She was born Dec. 15, 1925, in Bronaugh, daughter of Archie and Milber Shields (nee Cocke). She married Charles Gilbert on June 26, 1944. He preceded her in death on May 7, 1990.

Mary was a devoted mother and grandmother, always willing to sacrifice for the sake of her family. While her children were in school, she spent countless hours volunteering with the Affton School District parent/teacher organization and programs. She enjoyed playing bridge with friends and family as well as participating in area bowling leagues.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by grandson David Janssen, Jr. (Caroline); brothers, Robert and Jack Shields; and sister, Judy Quade. Survivors include her sister Karen Russell; children, Carol Grant, Mike Gilbert (Cathy), Dennis Gilbert and Daren Gilbert (Chris); grandchildren, Greg Janssen (Melanie), Brad Janssen (Janice), Erin Hayes (Lucas), Paul Gilbert, Denni Gilbert and Tim Gilbert; great-grandchildren, Robbie Janssen, Kevin Janssen, Nicholas Janssen, Katie Janssen, Andrew Rose, Emily Janssen, Blake Janssen, Benjamin Janssen, Abbie Janssen, Hayden Hayes and Grayson Hayes.

Memorial services will be held at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11, at Sunset Burial Park Chapel, 10180 Gravois Rd., Affton, MO, 63123. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tenn.