Obituary EAST PEORIA - Margaret Ellen Gilbert, 86, of East Peoria and formerly of Lacon, IL, died at 2:08 am Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at Riverview Care Center in East Peoria. Born on May 29, 1922 in Parsons, KS, to Clarence and Grace Majors Oatman, she was raised by her loving stepfather, Edward Coleman. She married Leon E. Gilbert on September 6, 1941 in Peoria, IL. He died on August 14, 1993 in Lacon, IL. Surviving are 4 children, Walter Gilbert of FL, Stephen (Sharon) Gilbert of Chillicothe, IL, Carol (Jack) Wells of Temple, TX, and Nancee (Earl) Brown of East Peoria, IL, 1 brother, John (Melvina) Coleman of Thompson, IL, 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather, 2 sisters, and 3 brothers. Margaret was a graduate of Parsons High School and attended St. Francis School of Nursing in Peoria. During WW II, Margaret worked at Caterpillar Tractor Company. She enjoyed raising her family. She later worked at Bergners for 10 years, retiring in 1975. Margaret was a Co-Founder of the Lacon-Sparland Ambulance Service, where she was an active member for 27 years. She served as the oldest active EMT in the State of Illinois at the age of 79. On June 16, 1998, the Mayor of Lacon proclaimed it Margaret Gilbert Day in honor of her dedication to the city. She was a 50 year member of the Order of Eastern Star, Creve Coeur Chapter, and also was a 50 year member of First Christian Church in Peoria. Services will be at 10 am Saturday, December 13, 2008 at Deiters Funeral Home in Washington. Pastor Kay Harding will officiate. Visitation will be from 6-8 pm Friday, December 12, 2008 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.