Ronald Douglas Gilbert

Ronald Douglas Gilbert, 82 of Libby, passed away at home on Aug. 21, 2025, after a 3 ½-year battle with cancer.

Ron was born to Charles Gilbert and Rose Bahr Gilbert on Dec. 7, 1941, in Havre, Montana. He attended numerous schools in Montana and as a teenager he worked on his uncle’s ranch and raised “Hell” near Harlem, Montana.

Ron was proud to have served in the U.S. Army from March 1, 1962, to February 24, 1964. He was a member of B Battery-6th Missile Battalion (HAWK)-562nd Artillery and spent 13 months in Germany.

He moved to Libby in 1964 to work for J. Neils Lumber Company, where he worked for 29 ½ years and then worked another 25 years for Granite Concrete Company. Ron and Sheila Peterson were married on July 21, 1967.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Roger Gilbert; son-in-law Scott Fisher; nephew Rod Gilbert; and niece Karri Peterson.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years; his daughter Dulci Gilbert of Libby, Montana; his brothers Gene Gilbert of Libby, Montana and Steve Gilbert (Denise) of Rock Hill, South Carolina; sisters Karla Schrade (Richard) of Libby, Montana and Cheryl Gilbert of Great Falls, Montana; and a bonus son Knut Barth of Norway. Ron also leaves behind many cousins; friends; so many “favorite” nieces and nephews; so many “favorite” great nieces and nephews; and may others who called him Dad, poppa or just adopted “Uncle Ron.”

Ron was proud to live in a community of volunteers. His family suggests any donations be made to the Libby Volunteer Ambulance, David Thompson Search and Rescue, Wings, or our Libby Fire Department.

No services are planned at this time. 

Arrangements are made under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby, Montana. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.