Delores Marie Gilbert, age 89 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at Community Parkview Care Center in Elwood following a brief illness and a long, rewarding life.  She was born September 29, 1928 in Elwood, the daughter of Charles and Mildred (Banta) Hutcheson.  Delores attended Elwood schools with the Class of 1946, but was not able to finish high school at that time.  She married the love of her life, Clarence J. Gilbert, on February 2, 1946, and they shared over 46 years of marriage together prior to his passing in 1992.  Delores was determined to finish high school, and was proud to obtain her G.E.D. from Elwood High School in 1980.  Delores retired from an office secretary at Dr. William Buechler's office in Elwood for 10 years, and formerly worked at Dr. George Oldag's office in Elwood.  Earlier in life, she also worked at the Morris 5 and Dime Store, the Elwood Cab Company, and Delco Remy in Anderson.  Delores was a longtime member of East Main Street Christian Church in Elwood, the Elwood 50-plus club, the Lady Elks, and former volunteer at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood.  She was an avid reader, but more than anything she was extremely devoted to caring for her family.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Delores' family includes her sister, Darlene (husband Jack) Meyer of Anderson; brother, Dan (wife Sharon) Hutcheson of Muncie; special friend and former daughter-in-law, Leanne Gilbert of Elwood; 2 grandchildren, Sheryl (husband Todd) Buckmaster and Greg (wife Michelle) Gilbert; and 7 great-grandchildren, Joshua Hancock, Nathan (wife Evelyne) Hancock, Madi Hancock, Justin Buckmaster, Danielle Buckmaster, Olivia Gilbert, and Sophia Gilbert.

Delores was preceded in death by her parents; husband in 1992; son, Garry Gilbert; infant daughter, Elin Gilbert; brother, Don Hutcheson; granddaughter, Elynne Gilbert Gaffney; and great-grandson, Tristan Gilbert.

A funeral service celebrating Delores' life will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner of East Main Street Christian Church officiating.  Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 9 to 11 AM on Wednesday prior to the funeral at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the East Main Street Christian Church Building Fund through the funeral home.  Online expressions of condolence may be made at copherfeslermay.com.