Flora (Gilbert) Herold

Flora (Gilbert) Herold, born February 7, 1935, in East Bernstadt, Kentucky, to Walter and Elizabeth Gilbert, passed away peacefully at home 11/22/2025. As the last surviving of her siblings and the last of the coal miner’s daughters, she closes a meaningful chapter of a strong, resilient generation.

Bob and Flora’s story began while working at the Apex factory in Sandusky. To get her attention, Robert once cashed her paycheck and brought it back to her in pennies. Flora married the love of her life, Robert Herold, on April 17, 1953. Robert brought three children into the marriage, and together they built a large and loving family of twelve. Her love overflowed as she supplied every child in the neighborhood with play balls while working at Barr Rubber.  Flora worked at Barr Rubber for 35 years.

Flora was baptized on November 23rd at The Chapel, grounding her life in faith that she carried dearly throughout her years.

She is survived by her children, Danny Herold of California, Pat Jensen of Port Clinton, Diane (Don) Madden of California, Robert (Debbi) Herold of Sandusky, Dennis (Marion) Herold of Alabama, Jerry “Farmer” (Michelle) Herold of Sandusky, Thomas (Sheryl) Herold of Texas, Marc Herold of Sandusky, Della (Todd) Stewart of Sandusky, Jeannie Herold of Sandusky, and Sherri (David) Sidoti of Las Vegas; twenty-one grandchildren, thirty-eight great-grandchildren including Elora, Walter, Tate recently born, and Owen on the way; one great-great grandchild Weston; many nieces, nephews and relatives who she also greatly loved. 

Flora was preceded in death by her husband and the love of her life, Robert L. Herold; son, Eddie D. Herold; two grandsons, Tommy and Jeff Byington; beloved siblings, William Robert Gilbert, Harold “Cotton” Gilbert, Thelma Lewis, Lillian Gregory, Lorean Klein, Henrietta Montgomery, Christine “Cricket” Pocock, Mary Rathfelder, Imogene Hummel, Judy Cardwell, Hilda Chime, and her siblings lost in infancy, Nannie Louise and Vertis Gilbert; her in laws, Herman H. and Jeannette T. Herhold; and son in law, Kenny Jensen, and recently nephew Glenn Pocock.

Flora’s life was a testament to love, perseverance, and quiet strength. She devoted herself to her family, her faith, and to the simple, steady acts of care that shaped generations. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her, and she will be deeply missed.

Special thanks to First Health Hospice, Dr. Paul Brunner and Dr. Robert Rice.

Friends may call from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Monday, December 1, 2025, in the Pfeil Funeral Home, Sandusky Chapel, 617 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky. There will also be a visitation from 9:30 am until the time of funeral service at 10:30 am on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at The Chapel, 4444 Galloway Road, Sandusky. Pastor Dave Brown will officiate. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery, Sandusky.

In lieu of flowers: donations can be made to OHgo, Serving our Seniors, Victory Kitchen, St. Judes, or The Chapel.

Condolences may be shared with the family at pfeilfuneralhome.com.

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