Lula Belle May Gilbert

Lula Belle May Gilbert, 88, of Watervliet, passed peacefully surrounded by her family on Aug. 18, 2026. Belle was born Aug. 31, 1937 in Hartford, Mich. to the union of Chester & Luella Swisher. She married the love of her life, Eugene Gilbert on March 2, 1954.

Belle worked many years at Shafer Lake Fruit but her most important role was that of Mom & Grandma.

She was more than a mother & grandmother; she was a safe place, a listening ear, a warm hug, a second home, and one of those rare people who somehow made everything feel a little better just by being there. She had a way of loving her family that made every person feel like they were her favorite. She celebrated the big moments, remembered the little things, worried when we didn't call, gave advice whether we asked for it or not, and somehow always knew when we needed a little extra love.

She was the keeper of family stories, traditions, recipes, secrets, and memories. Her home was a place you could walk in without knocking, open the refrigerator without asking, and stay longer than you intended. There was always something to eat, something to laugh about, and usually at least one story we'd heard a hundred times - but would gladly hear again.

She never met a stranger, and loved to talk to everyone. You could find her at the casino, always chatting with someone. She loved to read, and of course do her lucky scratch off tickets.

Belle never forgot a birthday! We knew at 6:00 a.m., we would get a phone call singing Happy Birthday to us. That will be truly missed.

Belle is survived by a daughter, Vickey (the late Karry) Fields & son, Wayne (Dixie) Gilbert; grandchildren: Tina (John) Wilson, Traci Fields, Holly (Joe) DiMaria, Corey (Britney) Gilbert, Alyssa (Brad) Thomas, Michael Fields, Tyler (Alyssa) Loomis, Caitlyn Harmon, Jacob (Alexis) Loomis, Tayson Gilbert, Declan Gilbert, Caiden Thomas, Mason Loomis, Gianna DiMaria, Kennedy Gilbert, Quinn Thomas, Jaxson Loomis, Vincent DiMaria, & Nicholas DiMaria.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Gilbert; infant sons, Eugene Harold Gilbert & Jerry Allen Gilbert; her parents; and all of her siblings.

Visitation will be held at the Calvin Funeral Home in Hartford, on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, beginning at noon, with a funeral service to immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. Burial will take place in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Those wishing to leave condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.