With full hearts and loving remembrance, we announce the passing of Shirley Jean Gilbert, age 86, who went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
A lifelong resident of St. Louis, Shirley graduated from Beaumont High School in 1956 and was especially proud of her perfect attendance record, which she maintained all four years. She also shared her musical talents by playing piano for school events and performances. She continued to enjoy music as an adult by singing in the choir at Trinity Presbyterian Church. It was there that she met her husband George. They were married in 1957 and built a life together, raising their family in North St. Louis County.
Shirley was deeply committed to her family and found joy in the everyday moments—baking, caring for her home, and spending time with those she loved. She was also a faithful member of Northminster Presbyterian Church, where she continued singing in the choir for several years.
She had a heart for others and expressed it through thoughtful gestures—especially her tradition of mailing greeting cards to family, friends, and fellow church members. Tucked inside each card was often a small bookmark or note, a little token of her kindness and care.
More than anything Christmas was her favorite time of year. She celebrated the season with baking and planning for time with the family and looked forward to making memories each year around the holidays.
She found much solace in recent years from her faith, her love of Jesus and listening to sacred music on BBN Radio. She will always be a part of our memories and missed by many.
She is survived by her devoted husband, George, of 68 years; her daughters, Deborah Ryterski (Mark) of St. Louis and Brenda Lockey (Charles) of Fort Worth, TX; and was a proud grandmother to James Rhoads (Erin) of Minneapolis, MN. She is also survived by her sister Rita Shannon of Rocky Mount, MO, sisters-in-law Rose Snider (Bill) of Charleston, IL and Bertha Anderson of Mt. Pulaski, IL, as well as half siblings, nieces, nephews and extended family.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 24, at 10:00 a.m. at Kutis Funeral Home, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, with a funeral service to follow at 12:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens.
The family warmly welcomes either flowers or memorial donations to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) in her honor.
If you feel led, consider sending a card to someone you love—just as she would have done.
Our Love and Prayers for your family at this difficult time! May you all know the Peace and Comfort from our Lord Jesus Christ!♥️🙏
Although I won’t be able to attend the service, you are all in my heart. Shirley was exceptional for the love she showed everyone she met. Her presence at Northminster was always a blessing. She will be missed by all who love her.
It was always a pleasure to see Shirley at Church at both Northminster Presbyterian and First Presbyterian Church of Ferguson.
My prayers are with you George, as well as your family, during this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss. Words do not comfort this type of loss but know you all are in my thoughts and prayers