Ellen F. Gilbert (nee Strachan), went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 13, 2014. She was born in Richmond, Virginia to Earl and Edith (nee Foster). She was raised in Green Bay and graduated from Green Bay West High School. She earned her Associates of Arts in Fine Arts from Kendall College in Evanston, IL. She was the secretary for the Mayor of Green Bay. She married Bruce Gilbert on June 28, 1968.

Ellen's favorite pastime was fine art. In the 70's and 80's, she was an art instructor. Her style was contemporary abstract and she created over 100 pieces. She had her One Woman art show at Concordia University in Fall of 2013. She was a Board Member of The League of Milwaukee Artists. By invitation, she showed her art at numerous art galleries across the Midwest. She was awarded the 1996 Outstanding Member of the Wisconsin Chapter Safari Club International.

She was an active member at Pilgrim Lutheran Church for 40 years including volunteering her time to sing in the choir, participated in VBS, and she most recently would get up every Sunday morning at 4:00 AM to make deviled eggs for Bible Class. Above all, she loved being a grandma and was very devoted to her grandkids.

She is survived by her loving husband, Bruce; cherished children, James (Elsie), Eric, Sweet Sarah (Andy) Holtan, A. Heidi (Jon) Then; adored grandchildren, Lucas, Andrew, Victoria, and James William Gilbert, Isabel, Maggie, Sofia Gilbert, Helena and Drew Gilbert Holtan, Ella, Will, Collin Jon, and Camilla Ann Then; sister, Ann (Gordon) Gilbert; and brother, Robert Strachan. She is further survived by other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Susan and sister-in-law, Anita Strachan.

The Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2014 from 3:30 until 6:15 PM at Pilgrim Lutheran Church (462 Meadowbrook Drive, West Bend, WI 53090). The Funeral Service will be held at the church on Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at 6:30 PM with Pastor Joseph Fisher and Pastor Christopher Raffa presiding. Interment will take place at St. Paul's Cemetery in West Bend. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Pilgrim Lutheran Church or Concordia Bible Institute.