Shirley Gale Gilbert

  Shirley Gale Gilbert was born in Chicago IL, on April 7, 1965.  At the age of 10 she moved to Winsor, Colorado at 16 she began a career that spanned 37 years at being the best waitress she could be.                On April 7th, 1986 she met her partner for life on her 21st birthday, when she beat him in 2 out of 3 games of 8 ball and he spilled a pitcher of beer on her.               Upon arriving in North Idaho in May of 1987while coming off of 4th of July pass to Wolf Lodge she commented, “Oh my god, it’s beautiful”.  This began her lore of North Idaho and its people.                On May 30th, 1990 she gave birth to the pride of her life, her son Kurtis, who walked her down the aisle when her and Ken were married on December 29, 1993.               In 1998 they moved to Cocolalla, ID where she worked at the View Cafe and other restaurants in the area until ending up at her beloved Hoot Owl, until her death on April 25th, 2018               She was proceeded in death by her mother Barbara Thomas and survived by her husband Ken, Son Kurtis, granddaughter Kaili Ann, sister Lana, brothers Danny and Gregory, as well as numerous nieces & nephews.               The outpouring of condolences and support from the people of North Idaho and beyond has been unprecedented and greatly appreciated by the Gilbert & Thomas families. There will be a memorial benefit dinner in honor of Shirley on May 27th, 2018 at the Hoot Owl at 3:00 PM.