William “Billy” Vernon Gilbert
On the evening of May 2, 2015, Bill peacefully passed away of natural causes. Bills children and grandchildren were there to visit and comfort him at the Rosebud County Nursing Home in Forsyth at the time of his passing. Bill was 67 years old.
Bill Gilbert was born in the town of Forsyth in Rosebud County, Montana on February 28, 1948. He was the fourth child born to Gerald Russel and Bettylu Cornelius Gilbert.
Bill was raised and attended school in Forsyth. When he was 18, he joined the Army and was deployed to Germany. He was there for 2 years. While there he learned to speak some German. He tried to teach his children some of it later, but mostly fun stuff, like counting and some silly names. After Bill left the Army in 1970, he met and married his first wife, Debbie Wilhelm. They were married for little more than a year. They had one son, Brant Vernon Gilbert of Belgrade.
Bill worked many different jobs in his young life. He worked in the oil fields, in construction, and as a bartender. He even tore some houses down for extra money.
Bill met his second wife, Pat Gilbert, in 1978. He took on her four children, Sherry, Dawn, Holly, and Robin; and raised them as his own. They were married on December 10, 1979. They had two children together, Beth and Gerald. The seven children were raised as brothers and sisters.
Bill liked hunting, fishing, and driving his jeep in impossible areas. He liked to take his kids out fishing, and kite flying. He loved going to his mother’s house for family holidays and family reunions. He loved working in the yard and his vegetable garden. He liked reading old western books, playing yahtzee and solitaire, and playing with his grandchildren. He also liked taking his dog Lovey for walks.
Bill was diagnosed with terminal cancer when he was 35. They gave him five years to live. He surpassed that by 27 years. He also got throat and skin cancer, but fought on. His stubborn determination carried him thru it all. Bill was baptized, along with his granddaughter Ashlee, in January of 1991.
Bill never got over the loss of his wife, Pat, in October of 2013. His health steadily deteriorated until his passing. He did however, smile and laugh when he saw his grandchildren and great grandchildren in those last days. He was always so happy to see all of us. We will really miss those smiles.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Pat; his daughter, Dawn; His parents, Gerald and Bettylu; and his brother, Gerald.
Bill is survived by his siblings, Johnny and Gloria (Snooks); his children, Sherry, Holly, Brant, Robin, Beth, & Jerry; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
There will be a celebration of Bills life on Friday, May 15, 2015 at Marcy’s Park on Front Street in Forsyth. Everyone is invited to attend. We would love to hear your stories about Bill.
Condolences can be sent to Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home, or put on their website.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Butch and Caprice Gregory says
So Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time.
Dennis Kenney says
Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are for all Bill’s family.
JOHN & BONNIE PRINCE says
Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. We will have you in our prayers.
Cathy Byron says
Heaven just gained an artist. My prayers are with his family.
Debbie Anderson says
Bill was such a kind man. Every time I walked through the Long Term Care unit; he always had a hello for me. He was truly Mr. M & M because he loved M & M’s. I will miss seeing him when walking through the LTC unit. I believe he is thriving in Paradise and so I am happy for him on that note. It is always harder for those left behind. My thoughts & prayers are with the Gilbert family.
Elise says
It was a privilege to know and care for your dad he always was able to get me to smile he told me frowning makes your face long lol I miss him my sincerest sympathy
Connie Brown says
Whenever I think of Bill, I think of him walking (or sometimes pulling) his big beagle dog by its leash by the courthouse. It makes me smile! The many miles that a man and his dog has walked and the friendship they shared. They are free to walk together again!