December 1, 1922 – July 23, 2025

Roberta (“Bert”) was the youngest of 3 girls born to James Fields and Susie Campbell in Fresno, CA. Their mother died unexpectedly in 1929, so the young sisters were sent to live with family near Santa Ynez, CA. This early hardship caused them to become very close throughout their lives, eventully living within a block of one another. Bert met Robert (Bob) Gilbertson at a USO dance in San Franciso and they were married in 1943. Upon his military discharge, the young couple moved to Bob’s family home in Minnesota. Their only child, Douglas was born there in 1946. Citing the cold winters, the young family moved back to Fresno in 1950 and purchased the home in which they lived for 68 years. Bert worked as a dental assistant for over 30 years. Bob passed away in 2012 and Bert eventually moved to Colorado in 2018 to be closer to her son’s family. She loved all creatures and volunteered at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo while supporting groups for many animals (most recently the Winter Park Ski Patrol Avalanche Dog Team). Bert was always a caregiver providing meals, rides, and help to anyone who needed it. She was a self-professed “lifelong Democrat” and worked on election campaigns and marches supporting human rights well into her 100’s. She was an avid sports fan (esp. football and baseball) and attended a Rockies game just 3 weeks before her death.
She is survived by her son Douglas (Kathy), four grandchildren Jason Simonian (Liora, Alysha), Justin Simonian (Angela), Leif Gilbertson (Hannah) and Erica Gilbertson (Jordan), 12 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Bert is also survived by two loving nieces, Susan Sevilla and Terri Lawrence and their families.
“There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.” Mahatma Gandhi