Arda Marcena Gilbert

Arda Marcena Gilbert, 91, of Elizabeth, passed away peacefully at her residence, August 9, 2026. She was born June 28, 1935 in Parkersburg, a daughter to the late Rex and Geneva Baldwin Watson.

Arda was a graduate of Wirt County High School. She worked at Yilky’s, and then she was a seamstress at Misty’s clothing, and later at Englander Bedding where she retired. She was a member at Slate Chapel United Methodist Church and was involved with the Wood County Farm Bureau. She enjoyed farming and spending time with her many loved ones.

She leaves behind her children, Rebecca “Becky” Powell-McGlothlin (Bruce), Linda Allen, Mike Gilbert (Tina), Marilyn Lott (Paul), Kimberly “Kim” Cline, and Rex Gilbert; son-in-law, Roger Allen; daughter-in-law, Heather Fenamore Gilbert; 20 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren; sisters, Grace Burns and Sandra Watson; sister-in-law, Mary Catherine Ginzery (Geza); nephews, Roger Gilbert (Amy) and Chris Harrison; and a niece, Catherine Ann Carden (Don).

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Bailey Gilbert; her son, Steven Curtis Gilbert; granddaughter, Melissa Cline; one sister, Carolyn Watson; and three brothers, Denzil “Copper” Watson, Tom Watson, and Gary Watson.

Visitation will be on Friday, August 14 from 5 -9 PM and from 12 – 1 PM on Saturday, August 15 at Lambert Tatman Funeral Home, Pike St., South Parkersburg. Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 15, 2026 at the funeral home with Pastor Lloyd Keith officiating. Burial will follow at Merrill Chapel Cemetery in Wirt County.

Lambert Tatman Funeral Home, South Parkersburg, has been entrusted with Arda’s final wishes and is honored to serve the Gilbert family.