Lois Eliza Gilbride

Lois Eliza Gilbride, 80, passed away on July 8, 2023. She was born on August 11, 1942 in Delaware, OH to the late Paul Oller and Elizabeth Freshwater. She was a loving wife to the late Ronald Gilbride for 45 years. She was also preceded in death by a son, Matthew Paul Gilbride, and a brother, Paul David Freshwater.

Lois graduated from Kent State University and began a teaching career. She later chose to stay at home to rear her family. After her children were grown, she re-entered the workforce as a substitute teacher at Oglethorpe County Schools and worked as a greeter at Walmart. Her kindness and joy radiated, and her smile will be remembered by everyone she met.

Lois is survived by her three sons: Kenneth (Katheryn), Kevin, and Keith Gilbride; and three grandchildren: Konner and Matthew Gilbride and Emily Barnett. She is also survived by Lawrence and Mary Ann Gilbride, loving in-laws, who helped care for Lois in the years after her husband’s passing.

Special thanks are given to the Arbor Terrace staff for the outstanding care Lois received in her final years. She made many friends and loved her time there.

A celebration of life will be held on July 22, 2023 at Arnoldsville Baptist Church at 2pm with Nathan Palmer presiding. A private interment will follow at Sandy Cross Baptist Church cemetery.  As in keeping with her upbeat, happy persona and love for bright colors, the family asks that everyone wear their brightest colors to help celebrate the wonderful life she led.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Children’s Miracle Network in Lois’ honor.