Gilbert Sheets
Gilbert L. (Bert) Sheets, 74 of Roosevelt, passed away April 3, 2009 at home of cancer.
Bert was born Feb.15, 1935 in Wenatchee, to Clarence and Edith Sheets. His mother passed away in 1937, when Bert was two and he was raised by his aunt, Evelyn Conley. He attended schools in Orondo. He entered the Navy in 1953 at age 18. He served in Korea and had three tours in Vietnam. He retired from the Navy in 1974 with the rank of Chief Petty Officer.
In 1956, he married Carol Dudley and had four children. Bert worked for various marinas for many years. He worked for Dept. of Natural Resources for six years. In 1985, Bert moved from Camas to Roosevelt, going to work for brother-in-law Darrell Hanan at Sundale Orchards. He worked for Darrell for five years. In 1994 he became a school bus driver for Roosevelt School Dist., retiring in 2006. He was a firefighter for the Roosevelt Fire Dept. from 1985 to 2007. He was a reserve sergeant for Klickitat County Sheriff's office from 1987 to 1995.
Bert was a life member of Goldendale Lodge 31 and very active in Evergreen Chapter 1, Order of the Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Patron six times. In 2005, he was commissioned as Grand Representative to Rhode Island by then Worthy Grand Matron Ann Gates, ending in 2007. He was a member of the Masada Shrine Club.
His wife Carol passed away July 1986. In December of 1988, Bert married Debra Brewer and became father figure to three small children.
Bert was preceded in death by his parents; first wife Carol; and brother Dick Conley. He is survived by his wife of twenty years, Debra; mother/aunt Evelyn Conley; sister Jennie Hanan; brother Dale Conley; children Tammi Weist of Texas; Cindy Minich (Tony) of Lansdale, Pennsylvania; Julie Butler (Jeff) of Connecticut; and Jeff Sheets (Angie) of Vancouver, WA; step children Terry Brewer of Kennewick; Kjestine Brewer of Camas; and Charles Brewer (Lilly) of Roosevelt; thirteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
An Eastern Star/Masonic funeral was held April 8, at Columbia Hills Memorial Chapel. Burial will be Thursday April 9 at 2 pm at the Orondo Cemetery in Orondo, WA with full military honors.
Rest in peace Bert. We will deeply miss you.
