Verna Mae Gilbert, 88, formerly of Emmaus, died September 30, 2012, in the Lehigh Center, Lower Macungie Township. She was the wife of the late Roy B. Gilbert, who died March 7, 1995. Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late Milton M. and Anna Margaret (Bachman) Prechtel.

She was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ, Emmaus, where she served as a volunteer.

She was a graduate of Allentown High School, class of 1941 and was an avid bowler. She was employed as a secretary throughout her working career, having last worked for Western Union, Allentown for 20 years, retiring in 1985.

She volunteered at Lehigh Valley Hospital since 1986, Meals on Wheels and the Allentown Soup Kitchen.

She is survived by a son, Gary R. and his wife Mimi of Macungie; daughter, Gale E. and her husband Dennis Miller; grandchildren, Jeffrey and Gregory Gilbert, Melisa Christ and Dana Perna; nine great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by six siblings.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's U.C.C. Building Fund, 18049.

Services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, St. John's U.C.C., 139 N. 4th St., Emmaus. Call 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday in the church. Arrangements were made by the Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, Emmaus.