Martha Charleen Gilbert Spatcher, 80, died Monday, Sept. 27, 2021, in Lexington.
She was born in Louisville, on Aug. 29, 1941, to the late Albert and Stella Mae Self Gilbert. At an early age, she professed faith in God, joined the Lone Hill United Baptist Church, and was baptized. Later in life, after moving to Versailles, she joined the Versailles Presbyterian Church, where she remained a member until death.
Charleen retired from the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission after many years of service to the members of the Legislature as a personal secretary and then Chief of Staff in the Caucus Leadership Office. She was extremely proud of those she worked with and grew to consider many of them friends. She treasured her cousins, family and the church friends she made over the years and was always delighted to see them. Charleen considered herself blessed by having so many wonderful friends. The special girls from grade school, middle school and high school kept close with monthly luncheons and phone calls. Charleen shared a closeness with her bridge friends spending many hours playing bridge, laughing, talking and enjoying the time they spent together. One of her dearest friends, Barbara Redding, was always there to make Charleen’s life better. She was the truest of friends.
She is survived by her beloved daughters Shannon (John) Weaver and Amy (Jason) Akers; and five granddaughters, who were the sunshine of her life, Emma, Catie and Stella Weaver, and Lizzie and Sophie Akers. Charleen cherished her sons-in-law as sons, who were kind and considerate, always willing to give a helping hand. She fostered a young man, Nate Pauley, who held a special place in her life and heart. Also preceding her in death were her two brothers, Alvin D. Gilbert and W. Ray Gilbert, and her beloved nephew, Morris K. Gilbert.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2 until 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 10, at The Bell House, 545 Sayre Avenue, Lexington, Ky. 40508.
Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Mathers-Gaunce Funeral Home; www.mathersgaunce.com.