Spencerville;        Karen Sue Gilbert, 78, of Spencerville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at St. Rita's Medical Center in Lima.

​            Karen was born on May 30, 1945 to the late Paul Raymond and Anna Belle (Nolan) Garwood at Lima Memorial Hospital in Lima. She grew up in Spencerville graduating from Spencerville High School in 1963. She started employment as a medical administrator with the Spencerville Physicians Group before moving on to being the office manager at the Orthopedic Institute of Ohio and working there until her retirement.

​            Karen had many interest and some of those included basket making, sewing, and water aerobics. Her favorite time of year was during the summer where she could enjoy the sunshine; as she loved her bronze tan and spending time at the Kossuth Resort. After her brother-in-laws passing about 18 years ago, Karen and her sister started traveling around the country and to different parts of the world.

​Karen is survived by her son Matthew R. (Crystal) Gilbert of Honea Path, SC; grandson, Gwydion Gilbert; two siblings, Claudia Warszawski of Woodbridge, VA and Doug (Julie) Garwood of Wapakoneta. She is preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law, Jack Warszawski.

​There will be a gathering of friends and family this summer at the Kossuth Resort. Please check back later for the date and time. Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville is caring for Karen and her family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Spencerville Historical Society.