|
|
1926 - 2011
Wilma Ruth Gibbons, 85, of De Graff, died at 6:10 PM Friday, October 7, 2011, at Mary Rutan Hospital, Bellefontaine.
She was born June 28, 1926, in Perry County, OH, a daughter of the late Daniel Howard and Thelma Irene Kitchen Householder.
On September 13, 1949, she married Charles Crew Gibbons in De Graff and he died June 12, 1993. She was also preceded in death by a Daughter; Betsey (Elizabeth) Gibbons, a Sister; Danna Mae Strayer and a Brother; Howard J. Householder.
Survivors include a Grand Daughter; Jennifer Anne Gibbons of De Graff, two Great Grand Children and several Nieces and Nephews.
A Homemaker, she was a member of De Graff United Methodist Church where she was a Sunday School Teacher, a Member of the Semper Fidelis Sunday School Class, and a past President of United Methodist Women. She was also a Past Matron of Constance Chapter # 78, O.E.S., a member of Miami Grange, a member of Phi Beta Kappa Sorority, and she led a Tuesday morning Bible Study Group at her home. She and her husband were long time residents of Kalamazoo, Michigan, before retiring to De Graff, where she was also active in church and civic organizations.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011 from 3 to 5 and 6 to 8 PM. at Rexer-Riggin-Madden Funeral Home, De Graff where services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 13, 2011 with Rev. Carolyn J. Christman officiating. Burial is in the Greenwood-Union Cemetery, DeGraff.
The family suggest memorial contributions be made to De Graff United Methodist Church Building Fund.
|
|
There are currently 7 condolences.
George and Linda Macleod
lingeo0623@att.net
Saturday October 15, 2011 at
11:18 AM
|
George and I met Wilma and Charles at Stockbridge United Meghodist Church. Wilma was a very caring person, always putting others first and accaepting others with kindness. One memory of a fun time is stiiing outside at the Cloisters "snapping peas'. Another fun time was playing Christmas charades with Wilma,Charles, Betsey and our two boys.
Wilma introduced me to the P.E.O. Sisterhood and I joined Chapter Q, Wilma's chapter. Wilma was president of Chapter Q in 1960-62. I thank Wilma for this gift of P.E.O.
Wilma shared her intelligence and belief through her leadership of a Tuesday morning bible study group at her home on Bronson in Kalamazoo. In the early years my young boys came along because Wilma saw to it that there was childcare. This was a time for sharing and growing in knowledge and caring for each other.
We were sad to hear of Wilma's passing, we are glad we had visited with her a year ago. We hold her in our hearts and will miss her.
|
| |
Julie Lang Gibson
Thursday October 13, 2011 at
3:12 PM
|
Wilma and Charles lived next door to my family on South Westnedge Avenue in Kalamazoo when I was very young. I remember watching Wilma, in her words, "put on my face" (adding powder, a little rouge and lipstick) before going to a meeting or church function. When I received my final kindergarten report card and passed to 1st grade at Parkwood Elementary, Wilma gave me a pair of silver opera glasses that I still hold dear. She gifted me with many books throughout our friendship, Little Women being one of our shared favorites. I later babysat Betsey (altho we didn't call it babysitting!) when Wilma and Charles had evening events to go to. To this day, whenever I smell yeast rolls I remember being in the Gibbons' kitchen as Wilma finished up a morning of baking those delicious cloverleaf rolls! She'd make tea and we'd wait impatiently for the rolls to cool enough to slather them with butter and jam. She remains close to my heart and forever in my memories. May she rest in peace.
|
| |
Shawndel Wilson
Thursday October 13, 2011 at
8:53 AM
|
So sorry to hear of your loss... She was a wonderful lady who touched the lives of many.... She will be greatly missed.
|
| |
Eric Bouwens
Thursday October 13, 2011 at
6:54 AM
|
Wilma and Charles were close friends of my parents while growing up in Kalamazoo, MI. She was ever-present influence from my birth until I left town to go to graduate school. We spent numerous evenings and weekends together over a 20 year span. Wilma and Charles became a part of our extended family. I will always carry the fond memories of times spent with Wilma, whether dinner parties on Park Street or Bronson Boulevard, or vacations at their cottage in Benzie County, MI, where I developed my love of the natural world. Though I can not be present physically with you today at her funeral, I am remembering Wilma fondly with you today, and keep her always in my heart and memories.
|
| |
Patricia DeHaan
Wednesday October 12, 2011 at
2:58 PM
|
Wilma was a treasured friend and member of Chapter Q, PEO Sisterhood in Kalamazoo, MI. She was (and still is) missed by the Chapter members.
It was an honor to have known her.
Patricia DeHaan
|
| |
Susan Kirk Grinkemeyer
sgrinkemeyer@hotmail.com
Tuesday October 11, 2011 at
9:14 PM
|
I am saddened to hear of Wilma Ruth's death. My mother (Marian Shook Kirk) was a school friend of Wilma Ruth's in Chesterhill, OH and my aunt (Margaret Shook Gibbons) was her sister-in-law, married to Louis C. Gibbons. In the ways of tiny villages like Chesterhill, I grew up hearing stories about all the Gibbons, Wilma Ruth included. My sister, Barbara Kirk-Chapa and I both send our condolences to your family.
|
| |
Tina Craig
tinacraig7290@yahoo.com
Tuesday October 11, 2011 at
3:31 AM
|
I am so sorry for your loss. She was very nice and I am glad I got the chance to meet her.
|
| |
|
