Barbara Ann Gilbert

Barbara Ann Ruyle Gilbert was born on January 16, 1939, in Dallas, Texas. She peacefully passed away at home on June 9, 2026. Growing up in a lively home with eight siblings, Barbara’s childhood was filled with activity, laughter, and strong family bonds that helped shape the loving woman she became. On September 29, 1956, she married the love of her life, Donald, in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, devotion, and were blessed with four children. Barbara enjoyed fishing, gardening, sewing, and cooking. Above all, she was known for her deep love and dedication to her family. Her generous heart and sincere compassion—especially for the elderly—touched many lives.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald Edmond Gilbert; her parents, Eddie Lee Ruyle and Dorothy Louise Reeder Ruyle; her siblings Kenneth Ray Ruyle, Betty Jean Ruyle, Helen Margaret Ruyle Gregory, Dorothy Lucille Ruyle Stearns, Edward Eugene Ruyle, Donald Ruyle, Johnny LeRoy Ruyle, Jimmy Ruyle, and Mary Sue Ruyle; and her cherished grandson, Jeffrey Wade Hagan.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her brother, Albert Ruyle; her children: Donna Gilbert Dearman and her husband James of Carthage, Texas; Glen Gilbert and his wife Carla of Mountain Home, Arkansas; Tammy Gilbert Fenton and her husband Wanzer of Orange, Texas; and Michael Gilbert of Orange, Texas. She is also survived by her grandchildren Jennifer Hagan Bono, Jade Woods, Sage Woods Lally, Zack Fenton, and Alex Fenton; and her great-grandson, Jakob Tate.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Dennis Landtroop officiating. Interment will follow in Restland Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

Serving as pallbearers will be Zack Fenton, Luis Bono, Michael Gilbert, Wanzer Fenton, Jeff Hagan, and James Dearman.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you and gratitude to the nurses and staff of Heartsway Hospice for the compassionate care, kindness, and attention provided to Barbara during her final days.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.