Bette Jean Stratton Gilbert of Vero Beach passed away suddenly on March 27, 2020 at Cleveland Clinic Indian River County Hospital.

Bette Jean was born to the late John Burg and Bette Burg in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She graduated from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and had a full career as a teacher in the public school system in Montgomery County Pennsylvania. She was a seasonal resident of Vero Beach beginning in 2008 and became a year around resident of Vero Beach in 2013.

Bette Jean was an active and dedicated member of Our Savior Lutheran Church on 6 th Avenue in Vero Beach. She was a very spiritual person. She was very upset that the pandemic situation was preventing church attendance during this most holy season.

Bette Jean was creative and imaginative. She very much enjoyed art lessons and painting in recent years. She was an exceedingly generous, kind and happy person. For years she made picture album books for every significant family event, births, birthdays, graduations and family celebrations that were cherished by all. She was always, always sending gift boxes to all of the grandchildren, so much so that it became a family tradition. She spent hours making doll outfits which were given away and donated. Recently donated school specific doll outfits sold for record prices in a silent auction fund raiser. She was very talented.

Bette Jean was a wonderful wife, parent and grandparent. She is survived by her loving husband Richard F. Gilbert; sons William E. Stratton (Corynn) of Algeria; Theodore J. Stratton (Lindsay) of Hanover, New Hampshire; stepchildren Richard B. Gilbert (Amanda) of Richmond, Virginia; Dr. Jennifer C. Gilbert/Gelber (Mathew Gelber) of Berwyn, Pennsylvania and Jason F. Gilbert of Vero Beach, Florida; grandchildren Willow and Jack Stratton and step grandchildren Eliza and Benjamin Gilbert and Ryan and Katie Gelber. She is also survived by her sister and brother in law Joanne and Sherwin Mowery of Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania.

Bette Jean had a very fulfilling and active retirement for which we are all immensely grateful. She will be missed and loved beyond words by every member of her family.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made to the American Heart Association. A memorial service at Our Savior Lutheran Church will be scheduled at a later date.