Virginia Yvonne Gilbert went to be with her Savior on June 30, 2026. She was born on May 28, 1935, to Clara (Gaston) Potter and Orville Cornell Potter in Glenns Ferry, Idaho, growing up playing in the Idaho desert with her sister, Marilyn.

The family later moved to King Hill, Idaho, where Virginia graduated from high school. The following October, she married the love of her life, Ernie Gene Gilbert 1, beginning a beautiful journey of 70 years of marriage together on October 18th, 1953, taking her back to San Diego where he was stationed in the Navy.

After living in San Diego for the remainder of Ernie’s enlistment, they moved back to Gooding, Idaho, where they welcomed their first child, Yvonne. Seeking new opportunities, they later relocated to Roseburg, Oregon, where three more children, Ernie ll, Ginger, and Clara would be born and raised.

In 1982, Ernie was ordained as a minister, and the couple moved to the Taft, California area, where they faithfully ministered together for 10 years. They eventually returned to the Roseburg area, where Virginia worked as a beloved waitress at the Tom Tom restaurant for many years before retiring.

Virginia had a passion for creating; she loved to garden, sew, knit, and make all types of needlework, always sharing her handcrafted talents with others. Above all, Virginia shared her deep love for the Lord. Whether she was teaching after-school Good News Clubs, leading Sunday School, or serving as a dedicated helpmeet to Ernie in his ministry, her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Her quick smile and warm way with words had a magical way of making absolute strangers feel like lifelong friends.

Survivors include her daughter, Yvonne (Kenny) David; her son, Ernie (Alice) Gilbert II; her daughter, Clara (Gary) Bradley; as well as 8 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Ernie; her daughter, Ginger Prater; her granddaughter, Lori Rothrock; and her sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and Fred Oestman.

A funeral service will be held at the Myrtle Creek Church of the Nazarene on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 2 P.M. with Pastor Guy Cooksey officiating. She will be laid to rest beside her husband at the VA Cemetery in Roseburg.

2nd Timothy 4:7,8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing