The obituary notice of Ruth Lilian GILBERT

Afternoon Tea with Mr & Mrs Gilbert

I have very fond memories of Ruth and George Gilbert and was very sad to hear of their death, which I found out about recently.
As children in the early 1980's my sister and I lived in Sutton Coldfield. We attended school not far from where Ruth and George Gilbert lived. We became very fond of them and they were like grandparents to us.
They used to invite us to afternoon tea after school, which was a special treat for us because Ruth would set out her beautiful china teapot, cups and saucers and her homemade delicious cakes. Ruth was always busy about the home and you would always find her in her apron with her rosey red cheeks, and her long grey hair pinned up on top of her head.
There were many cats about their home, as well as lots of beautiful artwork drawn by George Gilbert, a well-known local Artist. I remember my sister and I sat for George whilst he painted our portrait. We both got the giggles and couldn't stop, which made George start laughing too!
These are very happy memories for us as children, which I will never forget. They were a truly amazing couple, very old fashioned, always very welcoming with lots of wonderful and interesting stories.
As I grew up, got married and had children we moved out of the area. Then my family and I moved to Canada five years ago and sadly we lost touch over the years, but I will always remember Ruth and George. They were two wonderful, extraordinary characters and I am deeply saddened to hear of their death. My heart goes out to their family and friends.
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Julie Stockton (nee O'Hara)

Ruth was my neighbour

I am so sad to hear that Ruth has passed away. Ruth will be remembered by my family and I dearly. I remember one of my first meetings with Ruth in my back garden (almost 12 years ago) I was complaining about my washing machine being broken, when Ruth cheerfully explained to me that she was quite antiquated and still did all her washing by hand. I remember until fairly recently seeing the coal man making deliveries to Ruth. Ruth and I often shared conversations about our pets and my children, she would always ask about my cat 'Chloe' and I about her cat 'Kitekat'. One day Ruth asked me as a fellow animal lover to buy some raffle tickets for the RSPCA from her, we laughed as she said she had so many to sell. It was on that occasion Ruth showed me a lot of the paintings by her husband George, and told me that he used to exhibit his work in the library. Although I have moved away from Sutton Coldfield, I will always remember Ruth with deep affection, picturing Ruth with her apron on, feeding the birds under the blossom trees. Ruth was a lovely Christian lady for whom I hold very deep regard. I did not know until today that Ruth had passed away, I hope her passing was without suffering. My love and prayers to all the family. Suzanne, Andrew, Alex and Hannah x