Rev. Gilbert Shilling

Gilbert was born to Thomas and Bessie (Stockdill) Shilling on March 23, 1921, in Brookville, Pa. Gilbert married Velma Jelley in Detroit, Mich.

Gilbert and Velma's children are Richard (Glenda), Dan (Becky), David (Mary) Shilling, Carol O'Keefe, and Nancy James. They have 13 grandchildren -- Rick (Wanda), Karin (Rob) Ecker, Hilary (Lee) Eckert, Sean, Kelly O'Keefe, Staff Sgt. Daniel (Denise) Shilling, Matthew (Jodi) Shilling, Jennifer (Doug) Henderhan; Renee, Natalie, and John (Holly) Shilling; and Dan Adams. There are 10 great-grandchildren with another on the way. Also surviving are sisters-in-law, Marian Jelley, Rochester, Mich.; Charlotte Jelley, Stockton, Calif.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by brother Oscar (Esther) Shilling; sister, Dorthea (Gene) Swartz; Don (Lucille) Jelley; Jim Jelley; grandchild, Thomas Feist; son-in-law, Dennis O'Keefe; and in-laws, Cleveland Jelley and Harrietta Slaterline.

Gilbert graduated from Brookville (Pa.) High School and North Central College and Seminary in Naperville, Ill. He served in the Evangelical and United Methodist Churches in Illinois, Western Pennsylvania, and Ohio with the East Ohio Conference.

Calling hours will be 6-8 p.m., on Tuesday, April 26, at Roberts Funeral Home, 7067 Cleveland Road, Wooster, with services on Wednesday, April 27, at 11 a.m. with Pastor George Schreckengost officiating. Burial will be at Sherwood Memorial Gardens. A memorial service at Copeland Oaks, 800 S. 15th Street, Sebring, will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Sebring United Methodist Church, 126 West Indiana Street, Sebring, 44672; Copeland Oaks Foundation, 715 S. Johnson Road, Sebring, 44672 or a charity of your choice.