Leota Gilbert

March 30, 1918 - April 9, 2014

Leota Gilbert passed away April 9, 2014 surrounded by the love of her children. She was born March 30, 1918 in Wynnewood, Oklahoma. After completion of the 7th grade, Lee left school to care for her mother and help with the family farm responsibilities. She met and married Thomas (Buck) Gilbert on March 12, 1936. Lee and Buck migrated to and settled in Manson in 1942 where she has resided for the past 72 years. Lee worked in local orchards and packing sheds until starting a career in the J.C. Penney store in downtown Chelan. She was very proud of the many service awards received while there. Lee and Buck constructed their home and planted their own orchard. In the early 90’s Lee began selling her garden produce and flowers at the Manson Farmer’s Market where she was well known as the “flower lady”. Many of her customers waited all year to buy the bouquets that Lee produced from her beautiful dahlia and rose gardens. She continued selling at “the market” until the year she turned 90. Lee continued to have great love for her family, home, and flowers throughout her lifetime. She enjoyed visiting in her home with family and friends. Lee was preceded in death b her husband; parents, Charles and Ella Long; brother Jay Long, sisters DeEtta Long and Golda Clark, grandsons Nick Schwader and David Gilbert. She is survived by her daughters MaryAnn Jones of San Jose, California and Delores Fraught (companion Greg Becker) of Entiat. Sons Tommy Gilbert (Katherine) of Longview, WA and Jimmy gilbert (Lucinda) of Manson. 7 grandchildren: Deborah Schwader, Tammy Contreras, Penny Baker, Wendy House, LeAnn Smith, Brent Gilbert, Rodney Schrader; 17 great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren. She will be missed by many, but never forgotten.