Submitted by: Dan Rich
Dec. 27, 1920 - Jan. 3, 2008
South Bend Tribune 1/6/2008
MISHAWAKA - Betty B. Gibbens, 87, passed away at 1:40 p.m.
Thursday, January 3, 2008, in her residence after a courageous
nine-year battle with Parkinson's disease. Betty was born on
December 27, 1920, in Toledo, Ohio to C. Vern and Grace (Dailey)
Bishop. They preceded her in death along with a brother,
Dale Bishop; and great-grandsons, Noah and Joseph Lidgard.
On April 11, 1941, in Mishawaka she married
Robert "Gibby" Gibbens, her loving husband of 66 years,
who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Patricia (Dennis)
Girten of Osceola and Roberta Jean Miller, of
Mishawaka; grandchildren, Aaron (Angie) Mason, Cynthia Summeier,
Denise Miller (Brent Lidgard), Glen, Kurt and Eric Weimer;
two step-grandchildren, Jennifer and Dennis Girten; and six
great-grandchildren.
Betty graduated in 1939 from Jimtown High
School. She retired in 1972 after 22 years at Uniroyal. After
retiring the artist in Betty came out, she enjoyed landscape and
china painting. She also worked endless hours on her family
genealogy. The family wished to express their sincere
appreciation to her caregivers of Elkhart General Home Care,
Carolyn, Jennifer and nurse, Jennifer Amos, who have been so kind
during Betty's illness.
At Betty's request, no funeral services will
be held. She will be buried at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.
Memorials may be made to donor's choice.