Janet Darlene Gilbert, 83 of Des Moines, passed away Monday, December 9, 2024, at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines.

Janet was born June 20, 1941, in Des Moines, the daughter of Howard Albert and Minnie Mildred (Duesbury) Cummings. She graduated from Maxwell High School in 1959 and attended writing school. On May 27, 1960, Janet was united in marriage to Ronald Eugene Gilbert at the Peoria United Methodist Church near Maxwell. She worked in retail sales and as an optometric assistant for many years. Her hobbies included reading, crafts, painting and interior decoration.

Janet is survived by her husband Ronald of Des Moines; her daughters Debra (Jeff) Nichols of Grimes and Susan (Don) Stine of Ankeny; her daughter-in-law Chris Gilbert of Mississippi; her nine grandchildren; her six great-grandchildren; and her brothers Don (Mary Kay) Cummings, Norman Cummings, Tom (Pam) Cummings and Gary (Marlene) Cummings. She was preceded in death by her parents, aunt and uncle Albert and Eva Link, her brothers Dick Cummings and Terry Cummings, and her son Brian Gilbert.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home (422 First Street) in Maxwell. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Inurnment will be at Peoria Cemetery near Maxwell.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Iowa Special Olympics in memory of Janet and in honor of her niece, Sara Cummings.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Maxwell is handling arrangements. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.rasmussonfh.com.