DeEtta P. Gilbery

DeEtta Gilbery, 84, Georgetown, MN, passed away at Sanford Hospital surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024. 

DeEtta was born in Fargo, ND on May 13th, 1940, to Cecil and Florence Johnson. She grew up in Glyndon, MN, where she graduated from high school in 1958 and then attended New York Hair Dressing Academy in Fargo, ND.

DeEtta met Glenn Gilbery on a blind date while attending beauty School. Their affection for one another must have been obvious to her father Cecil, and so he insisted she wait to marry until she turned 19. She complied, selecting the first weekend following her 19th birthday, May 16th, 1959, to wed. Glenn and DeEtta made their home on the Farm near Georgetown, MN. The life of a Farmer's wife, raising a family was where she found contentment.

DeEtta was known for her sharp-witted humor. Her grandchildren brought her great joy and purpose. She was often called the fun-grandma, cherishing her time spent with them. She looked forward to her brother Cecil's daily visits around the lunch hour, with a meal awaiting. DeEtta enjoyed bird watching, topping the feeder with bird seed thoughtfully provided by her friend Lonnie. Gardening and puzzling were other pastimes in which she partook. 

The memory of her following guests out to the front porch and waving as they departed the Farmyard will be forever treasured.

She is Survived by her children Richard (Josie) Gilbery Park Rapids, MN, Trent (Elaine) Gilbery Moorhead, MN, Jeff (Kelly) Gilbery Lakeville, MN, Heidi Ziegler Grand Forks, ND, and John (Peggy) Gilbery Moorhead, MN; 12 grandchildren-Alyssa (Chris) Gilbery, Hannah (Tyler) Gilbery-Liebl: David Gilbery, Katy (Scott) Gilbery, Anna (Manan) Gilbery, Cole Gilbery, Hailey Ziegler, Georgia Ziegler, and Emilee (Cole) Ziegler, Austin Gilbery, Harlie Gilbery, and Phoebe Gilbery; and one Great-Grandchild, Harper Ashiem; her sister Marlys Wang, brother Cecil Johnson; sister-in-laws, Mavis Jacobsen, Virginia Wright, and Donna Gilbery; special friends Shirley Manston,Kenny Asplin, Craig Morton, and Lonnie Knoell.

She was preceded in death by her husband Glenn, parents Cecil and Florence Johnson, and brother Dennis Johnson. Brother-in-law James Gilbery, Sister-in-Law Phyllis Nelson.

The family of DeEtta Gilbery gratefully acknowledges your attendance and many kind expressions of sympathy during their time of loss.

Visitation will be Monday, June 24, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.

Funeral service will be Tuesday, June 25, at 11:00 a.m., at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.

Interment will be at Oak Mound Cemetery, Kragnes, MN.