Myrtle Gilbert, 87, Thief River Falls, MN, died Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at Thief River Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, April 13, 2009 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Mark Helgeland officiating.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Sunday, April 12, 2009 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer service on Sunday evening. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Myrtle Lian was born on June 6, 1921 in Meacham, Saskatchewan, Canada, the daughter of Lars and Mary (Aune) Lian. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and attended Country School near Gatzke, MN.

Myrtle was united in marriage to George Gilbert on December 12, 1942 in Mavie, MN. Following their marriage the couple made their home near Gatzke, MN, where they farmed. They moved to Grygla and farmed also, before moving to Thief River Falls in 1956.

She enjoyed blueberry picking at Bemis Hill, baking, cooking, gardening, playing cards, especially Rook, Pinochle and Canasta. Myrtle was a member of the Red Hats Society and the American Legion Auxiliary. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Myrtle will be remembered for her kind heart of gold and will be missed by all who knew her.

Myrtle is survived by her children: Marcia Carlson and her special friend Milt Rodeghiero of Duluth, MN, Betty Wachala of West Fargo, ND, Richard Gilbert of Thief River Falls, MN and Ron Gilbert of Thief River Falls, MN; six grandchildren: Sean (Rhonda) Carlson, Allison Jensen, Chad (Michelle) Wachala, Angela Wachala, Ryan (fianc, Lindsey Goble) Gilbert and Jon Gilbert; ten great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sister, Luella Foss of Moorhead, MN; sisters-in-law, Gail Lian of Grygla, MN and Edna Lian of Moorhead, MN; her special niece and caregiver, Marilyn Rugland of Thief River Falls, MN; and several other nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George; brothers and sisters: Evelyn Brandt, Sidney Lian, Henry Lian, Orville Lian, Eilert Lian, Palmer Lian, and Gilferd Lian; son-in-law, Gary; and her parents.

Family condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

ORGANIST; Joyce Halbasch
SPECIAL MUSIC: Greg Dally and Paula Adamson, Stroll Across Heaven With You and Go Rest High on that Mountain
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: How Great Thou Art In the Garden Rock of Ages
CASKETBEARERS: Sean Carlson, Allison Jensen, Chad Wachala, Angela Wachala, Ryan Gilbert and Jon Gilbert