Heather Ann Gilbert

Heather Ann Gilbert, 52, of Lansing, Michigan, passed away July 5, 2014. She was born on March 19, 1962 in Lansing, Michigan to DuWayne and Shirley (Shinaver) Watkins. Heather worked as a mortgage banker. In her spare time, she was passionate about cooking and baking; every year she made tons of Christmas cookies. She was a wonderful friend and loved her family very much. She will be remembered for her infectious laughter and creativity. Heather also had a love for the arts and animals, especially her dog, Mister.

Heather was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley McKenna; daughter, Lyn Gilbert; and brother, Daniel Watkins. Surviving to cherish her memory are her son, Adam (Melanie) Gilbert; father, DuWayne (Elena) Watkins; step-mother, Rosemary Watkins; sisters, Vicki Watkins-Ungaar, Elizabeth Watkins, Mary Beth (Robert) Hoy, and Beverly Nechuta; brother, Sergey Ilyashov; aunt, Heather Lynn Zynda; and uncle, Theodore (Cora) Watkins.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 11, 2014 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 900 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, Michigan 48912. The family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday, July 10, 2014 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Lansing Chapel. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Ingham County Animal Control Outreach Center, 826 W. Saginaw, Lansing, MI 48915.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com.