Pearlys Udella Gilbert Stinger, 84
Pearlys Udella Gilbert Stinger, 84, "went to be with her Lord Jesus" on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, 2008, in Bigfork.
Born on Jan. 22, 1924, in Ponce de Leon, Fla., she was the oldest girl of seven children born to Lonnie and Mallie Gilbert.
Growing up in northern Florida, Pearlys helped take care of her five younger siblings along with her older brother Lester. She was always a bright student and a wonderful cook.
Not long after graduating from Altha High School, she went to work in a restaurant where she met many handsome soldiers training for World War II.
Albert Stinger of Ronan won her heart and hand. They were married March 17, 1943, and made their hone in the Flathead Valley in 1946. Al passed away March 14, 2006, just three days before what would have been their 64th anniversary.
Her first love was her family. She and Al had four children -- Dennis, Kelvin and Lonnie Stinger, and Delrae Billmayer.
She enjoyed gardening, sewing and was always ready to play. She was a member of the Bigfork Chapel Assembly of God, and was quick to pray for any need.
Pearlys was the head cook at Swan River School, and will be remembered by many who enjoyed her homemade lunches and "Special K" cookies.
Pearlys and Al were foster parents for several teens who needed their loving smiles and warm hugs, not to mention the fresh-baked bread and Stinger Stew.
Her last job was at the Lake View Care Center where she worked as a CNA for more than 13 years. It was her choice to become a resident there, for she knew from experience that it is a wonderful place at which to retire.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister Hazel Strom; and brothers, Lester Gilbert and Broward Gilbert.
She is survived by her children and their spouses, brothers William Gilbert and Jimmy Gilbert, sister Myrtice Strom, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The family thanks the loving folks at the Lake View Care Center, and requests that donations be made to the Swan View Unit.
Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.
The family invites the community to a short graveside service at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008, at Lone Pine Cemetery in Bigfork. A celebration of her life will be afterward at 2:30 p.m. at the Bigfork Chapel Assembly of God.