Jean Gabbert

Betty Jean “Jean” Gabbert, 93, passed away peacefully in her home on February 25, 2025.

Jean was born in Inkom, Idaho, to Murlin Milton Ellis and Cleova May Anderson. She was raised in Inkom before moving to Pocatello, Idaho. She graduated as part of the Inkom High School Class of 1949, which had just nine students.

On June 5, 1953, Jean married Kenneth Roy Gabbert, and together they built a loving family. They were blessed with four children: Rick Gabbert (Susan), Ron Gabbert (Liz), Sandy Hunt (Rick), and Scott Gabbert (Kelly). Jean’s family was the center of her world, and she found her greatest joy in spending time with them.

Jean and her sister-in-law, Beverly, worked as cooks for the Human Development Center, where their food became so well-loved that they decided to open their own restaurant. In the mid-1970s, they founded Gabbertino’s, a local Italian restaurant in Pocatello. Jean continued running the restaurant until she retired around 1991. She was especially known for her famous Gabbertino’s soup and her special sugar cookie recipe, both of which became beloved family traditions.

She was known for her warmth, her love of cooking, her skill in sewing and quilting, and, most of all, her devotion to her family. Jean was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She leaves behind a legacy of love and is survived by her four children, her brother Larry Ellis, her sister Carol Larsen, eight grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Roy Gabbert; her parents; her sisters, Margie and Leona; and her brother, Murlin.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Debbie Taylor of Home Helpers, who cared for Jean for nearly ten years, and to Heritage Hospice for their compassionate end-of-life care.

Jean’s love and kindness will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, March 2, 2025 from 5-7 pm at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Rd. Chubbuck, Idaho. The family will be holding a private graveside service.

Memories and condolences may be shared using the guestbook below.