Barbara Ann Owen Gilger

Barbara Ann Owen Gilger, 81, of San Saba, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2020, after a lengthy but courageous battle with cancer. Barbara was born October 1, 1938, in San Saba, Texas. She was the daughter of Kelly and Anita Owen. She graduated from San Saba High School in 1957 where she was greatly loved and recognized as the “Class Favorite” girl. Barbara went on to attend Texas Tech University and Howard Payne University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in 1961. While at Howard Payne, Barbara met the love of her life, David Gilger. They were united in marriage on June 18, 1960.

Barbara and David made their home in San Saba where David worked alongside Kelly learning the ranching business, while Barbara was busy raising their two children, and later her grandchildren whom she adored and spoiled every chance she got. She was better known to them and all their friends as "B’Gee", and she enjoyed playing grandmother to all. She contributed to the community through multiple membership and volunteer organizations. She and David partnered with Calvin and Mary Belle Fryar in a successful cattle business, G&F Cattle Company. Barbara was a member of the Distaff Club and the Pierian Study Club. She was a charter member of the San Saba Volunteer EMS where she spent many long hours serving as an EMT. She was a loyal member of the First United Methodist Church where she contributed many hours on numerous committees as well as teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, organizing, decorating and volunteering at Vacation Bible School. She also wore many other hats as jobs needed to be filled. She had a love for decorating, whether it be for a school function a bridal coffee, a baby shower, Pierian Picnic, etc. She spent hours on it to make sure it was perfect. David loved to cook, and Barbara loved to decorate and make it a memorable celebration. Many outdoor celebrations on the 4th of July were spent with their best friends and families where food and fun created a legacy of friendships that remains strong to this day. To speak of Barbara is also to speak of David as they were truly as one. This makes it not surprising that they passed away just months apart, and highly possible that David was waiting to walk hand and hand into their eternal life with the Lord completely free from pain and suffering. Barbara did not like to be in the spotlight, but she was a people person. She always had time to listen and could find a positive outlook and encouraging word for any situation. She was “that person” to her dearest friends - the one who would straighten their crown before the world knew it was crooked. Everyone who knew her loved her because of her kindness and beautiful loving spirit. With heavy hearts, we know after her long battle, she is now in Heaven, and we will always remember her for her faithful witness to the Lord and the dignity and positive attitude and concern for others she had as she walked through that valley. She will remain in our hearts forever!

Barbara is survived by her children: Troy Gilger and wife, Mary; Kelly Gilger Reavis and husband, John; grandchildren: Morgan Gilger and wife, Mahaila; Kolby Reavis and fiancé, Destiny Medrano; Johna Reavis Morgan and husband, Dustin; Ember Grant and husband, Tim; Taylor Claiborne and husband, Jason; great grandchildren: Aveigh, McKinnley, Fallon Jo, Gabree, Sailor, Delaney and Paxten; sister-in-law, Wynne Lou Ferguson, and husband, Wayne; brother-in-law, John Robert Gilger and wife, Susan; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, David.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalms 23:4-6