Nancy L. (Gildenmeister) Bilbrey

Nancy L. (Gildenmeister) Bilbrey, age 89, of Bellevue, passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Bellevue Care Center. A native of the region, she was born in Fremont on July 15, 1936, to her devoted parents, Delbert and Dorothy (Tucker) Gildenmeister. Nancy spent her life cultivating deep roots within her community and nurturing a family that remains her greatest pride.

Dedicated to both service and creativity, Nancy was an active and long-time member of the Bellevue Eagles Auxiliary. She spent much of her professional life working for Erie County MRDD, where she made a lasting impact on those she served, and she continued her involvement with the organization following her retirement. Her commitment to helping others extended into the community through her volunteer work with Pass It On and the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program. Away from her service to others, Nancy found joy in the simple and beautiful things in life. She was a passionate gardener who delighted in nature, a talented seamstress, and an avid crafter whose creativity could be seen in everything she made. 

Her memory is honored and kept alive by her loving family. Nancy is survived by her daughter, Karen Kuhns, and her sons: Richard (Kathy) Bilbrey and Lawrence (Barbara) Bilbrey; daughter-in-law, JoAnne Bilbrey. Her expansive legacy also includes 13 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense joy to her later years.

Nancy has now been reunited with those who went before her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Delbert and Dorothy Gildenmeister; her cherished daughter, Kathryn Bilbrey; beloved son, Robert Bilbrey; grandson, Brian Bilbrey; granddaughter, Monica Bilbrey; great-granddaughter, Tori Stephens; and her siblings, Nelson Gildenmeister and Norma Rutherford.

Friends will be received on Monday, June 15, 2026, from 10:00am until a funeral service beginning at 12:00pm at Foos & Foos Funeral Service, 151 Yorkshire Pl, Bellevue, OH 44811. Burial will follow at York Chapel Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Nancy’s honor to Heartland Hospice, 907 W. State Street in Fremont, Ohio 43420, or to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 428 Kilbourne St, Bellevue, OH 44811.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at foosfuneral.com