Margaret Elizabeth Gilbert

Margaret Elizabeth Gilbert, age 83, passed away Wednesday, November 10, 2021.

Margaret was born August 5, 1938 in Des Moines, Iowa to John Harrison Burks and Martha Ethel (Jones) Burks. She was a lifelong resident of the Des Moines area. She worked at Mercy Medical Center where she met her husband, Arthur. Arthur and Margaret were married on March 25, 1983 in the middle of a huge snow storm that covered the hood of their car. They bought a little farm house in 1984 that they turned into their family home. Their grandsons, Justin and Andy, came to live with them as little boys and they raised them as their own. Margaret also started an in-home daycare and cared for several of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She opened their home to countless family over the years. Margaret’s care for those in need was a part of who she was.

Margaret loved and trusted the Lord with all her heart and looked forward to being in the presence of the Lord and seeing her loved ones again, especially her daughter, Margy, and grandson, Brandon. Margaret loved having prayer groups, talking scripture, and sharing with anyone about the Lord and how good He is. She always surrounded herself with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were the highlight of her life.

Margaret loved growing flowers of all kinds and she loved watching the hummingbirds that came to her feeders. She enjoyed going to garage sales and always found lots of great items. On Thursday evenings when she was feeling well enough Arthur and Margaret would go to dinner with family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Arthur; daughters, Vicki Edwards (LeRoy), Twyla McDonough (Bernie), Elane Worthington (Ted); son-in-law, Robert Ussery; grandchildren that Art and Margaret raised, Justin Gilbert (Michelle), Andrew Gilbert (Dakota); step-sons, Karl Gilbert, Alan Brown, and Gary Brown; grandchildren, Clinton Edwards (Tracy), Kenny Edwards (Kandace), Hannah Eginoire (Chet), Brenton McDonough (Amy), Katie Highsmith (AJ), Teddie Worthington, Krystal Worthington, Justin Gilbert (Michelle), and Andrew Gilbert (Dakota); great-grandchildren, Madison Edwards, Jenna Edwards, Hailey Edwards, Logan Edwards, Shelby Boley, Paityn Eginoire, Parker Eginoire, Isabella McDonough, Aubree McDonough, Max McDonough, Talon Cody, Teddy Worthington, Anakin Worthington, QuincyEvan Worthington, Quinton Mark Worthington, Brittany Heldorfer, Ricky Daughenbaugh, Andrew Gilbert Jr., Kacie Gilbert, and Kenna Gilbert; five great-great-grandchildren; and many other family and friends that will miss her precious loving heart and warm smile.

Margaret was preceded in death by her father, John Burks; mother, Martha Burks; daughters, Kenda Kay Burns and Margaret Ussery; and grandson, Brandon McDonough.

Funeral service will be 2:30 p.m. Friday, November 19, 2021 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Family will begin greeting guests at 1:00 p.m. Private family burial will take place at Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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