Retha Ann (Harrington) Gilbert

February 21, 1931 - March 29, 2010

Known for her outspoken attitude, quick wit & colorful sense of humor

Retha Ann (Harrington) Gilbert passed away quietly on March 29th at Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton. Born in Everett, Washington on February 21st, 1931 to Algot and Gertrude Anderson. Growing up she spent many a summer on Hat Island with her siblings. In 1953 she married Iven Glenn Harrington and had three sons. She became a widow in 1968. She married Thomas G. Gilbert in September of 1970 and this added three step-sons to her family. Thomas & Retha have lived in the Olympic View Community since that time. Retha is survived by her husband Tom and her sons John & Jerry Harrington, & Thomas, Rod,& Gary Gilbert & daughter-in-laws Cindy Harrington & Cheryl Gilbert & her sister LaDonna “Babe” Brown.

Grandchildren: Arla, Bobbi, John, Adrian, Kyle, Curtis, Allison & Reed Harrington. Felica, Mandi, Kyle, Brandon Gilbert. Sydney & Garret Gilbert & their mother Rene Conatore, numerous nieces and nephews & other extended family & friends & three great grandchildren.

Retha was preceded in death by both her parents, 11 of her 12 siblings, her former husband Iven Glenn Harrington & her eldest son, Iven Dale Harrington.

The loss of Retha’s outspoken attitude, quick wit & colorful sense of humor will leave a huge void, that will be impossible to fill. She enjoyed old movies, trivia, playing cards, Bingo & a lively debate. She was a member of The Lady’s Bowling League, Pinochle Club, & Olympic View Homemakers.

The Family would like to thank the Harrison Hospital ICU & PCU staff for the wonderful care Retha received during her stay.

FUNERAL INFORMATION

Graveside services will be held at 3:00pm Friday, April 2nd at Cypress Lawn Cemetery in Everett. On Saturday, April 3rd @ 1:00pm there will be a Celebration of Life Dinner to be held at the Olympic View Community Center at 13931 Lester Rd. near Silverdale to honor Retha as well as her son Iven Dale Harrington who also recently passed away December 30th 2009.

Memorial

Legacy of Love

A wife, a mother, a grandma too,
This is the legacy we have from you.
You taught us love and how to fight,
You gave us strength, you gave us might.
A stronger person would be hard to find,
And in your heart, you were always kind.
You fought for us all in one way or another,
Not just as a wife not just as a mother.
For all of us you gave your best,
Now the time has come for you to rest.
So go in peace, you've earned your sleep,
Your love in our hearts, we'll eternally keep.

Author Unknown

There's a Reason

For every burden that we bear,
For every sorrow, every care,
There's a reason
For every grief that bows the head,
For every tear-drop that is shed,
There's a reason
For every hurt, for every plight,
For every lonely pain racked night,
There's a reason
But if we trust God as we should,
All must work out for our good,
He knows the reason.