Dorothy Marie (Bell) Gilbert

Dorothy Marie (Bell) Gilbert, age 85 of Perry Village, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on February 20, 2026.  Born at home on April 14, 1940, to the late Leroy J. Bell and Helen (Harshbarger) Trevitz of Newport, Dot is survived by her three children:  Lisa D. Potami (Joseph) of Loysville, Lori J. Kepner (Craig) of Elliottsburg, and Edwin G. Gilbert II (Heather) of Lewistown; six grandchildren:  Dannene Palm (Jon), Megan Grafmyer, Jason Potami (Jeannette), Andrea Biezad (David), Rachael Shepps (Jared), and Evan Gilbert (Shannon); seven step grandchildren:  Jesse Banks (Danielle), Anatasia Banks, Magdalene Banks, George Banks (Anais), John Banks, Erin Kelly, Jace Kelly; nine great grandchildren:  Steel, Lilah, Bristal, Jayden, Bella, Piper, Emerson, Ruby, and Aurora; four step great grandchildren:  Emilia, Tatiana, Lucas, and Nina; and her sister, Rebecca Sheriff of Landisburg.  In addition to her parents, Dot is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Edwin G. Gilbert I, who died in 2012, and three siblings:  Lois Hill, Lorraine Ziegler, and George Bell.  Dot was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.  She always put family first and was generous, giving and loving.

In addition to raising a family and running a household, Dot worked at Loysville Youth Development Center as both a cook and housekeeper for the young residents.  She retired in 1996 with over 20 years of service. She was an active member of Sandy Hill United Church of Christ.  In her rare free time, Dot loved to plant flowers, watch the birds out the window, play bingo, but most of all she loved to cook, with baking cakes, bread, pies and her famous homemade fudge as her specialty.

The memorial service for Dot will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Sandy Hill United Church of Christ, 6300 Tuscarora Path, Loysville, PA  17047 at 11 AM, with Pastor Don Funk officiating.  Memorial donations may be made in Dot’s name to Sandy Hill United Church of Christ, 6300 Tuscarora Path, Loysville, PA  17047.

Arrangements entrusted to Nickel Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home, Inc.

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