Shirley Jean Gilbert

Shirley Jean Gilbert, daughter of Sherman “Dean” and Clarice Stream, was born on August 18, 1940, in Diagonal, Iowa. She was the only daughter in the family and grew up alongside her three brothers, Larry, Charles, and Edward.

In 1948, her family moved to Van Wert, Iowa. Shirley married Glen Gilbert in 1958, and together they made their longtime home in Van Wert. They were blessed with four children: Steven, Ronal, Valarie, and Vickie, all of whom were born at Decatur County Hospital in Leon, Iowa.

Shirley worked for more than 20+ years at the O’Brien Brothers factory in Leon and later spent another 20 years at Farm and Home in Osceola. She was known for her strong work ethic and dedication throughout her life.

Shirley enjoyed many hobbies, including reading, gardening, crafts, and sewing. She was a talented seamstress who loved sewing, knitting, crocheting, and quilting. While she found joy in many activities, her greatest happiness came from spending time with her family. She treasured every moment with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, and the love she shared with them will be remembered always.

Shirley passed away on June 4, 2026, at Southern Hills Specialty Care in Osceola, Iowa, at the age of 85 years and 10 months.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dean and Clarice Stream; her husband, Glen Gilbert; her daughter, Vickie Gilbert; and her brothers, Larry and Charles Stream.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Steven Gilbert of Norwalk, Ronal (Susan) Gilbert of Van Wert, and Valarie (Jim) Gall of Norwalk; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; her brother, Edward Stream; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends whose lives were touched by her kindness and love.

A short graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on August 23, 2026, with a Celebration of Life luncheon to follow at the Van Wert Community Center.