Ann Louise (Gilbert) LaFree

Ann Louise LaFree (Gilbert) passed away on July 10, 2024. She was born on February 1, 1931, in Sandusky, Ohio to the late James and Helen (Taylor) Gilbert. She graduated from Sandusky High School and attended Bowling Green University. During her school years she was active in the cheerleading squad, the choir, and the drama club. During her late teens and early twenties, she was a cherished children’s Sunday school teacher.

Ann met her husband Richard (deceased) at Put-In- Bay, Ohio.  Ann and Richard were married in the Calvary Episcopal Church in Sandusky, and the city girl became a country girl in Bremen, Indiana.  Ann is survived by her children, Bonnie (Randall) Suttor of Bremen, Bryan (Susan) LaFree of Bremen, and Pam (Carmelo) Milano of Durham, North Carolina, daughter-in-law, Lynn Smith (Tom) of Kentucky, 17 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, her two sons, Greg LaFree and Tom LaFree, and by her daughter, Debbie Ozawa.

Ann loved children. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were blessed to have her. She and her children would often make up words to various melodies. For instance, on the way back home from shopping, Ann and her children sang “Oh we spent a barrel of money. Dad won’t think it’s funny….” While working in an office, she kept a “treat” drawer for children.  Ann delighted in taking her grandchildren to get a McDonald’s Happy Meal with the latest toy inside.  

A graveside memorial service will be held July 27 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bremen Cemetery mausoleum. Memorial contributions can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, PO Box 91891, Washington, DC 20090.

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