Elizabeth Hilton Gass Von Fange, daughter of Elizabeth (Betty) Louise Riddell Gass and Walter Samuel Gass, was born February 16, 1932 in Seward, Nebraska. She is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Rosemary Green; and her brother, Walter Gass; as well as her husband of 32 years, Eugene Konrad Von Fange.
Libby had the gift of remembering names and making people feel loved and welcome. This gift led her to early leadership positions at the University of Nebraska where she graduated in 1953 with a degree in Dietetics. At the university, she began a life-long love of showing hospitality and love to international students which continued her entire life.
Libby met her husband, Gene in Seward and moved to Schenectady, NY, where he was employed as an electrical engineer with General Electric. GE took the family to Virginia in 1966. After Gene died, Libby moved to Williamsburg, VA, and then moved to Charlotte, NC, in 2009.
Libby was devoted to raising their six children and gave thanks just before she died that all had grown up to be godly men and women.
Libby loved travel and experiencing new things, but most of all she loved people. She was devoted to missions and traveled the world from Japan to Kazakhstan to Moscow and to Uganda to share the love of Christ.
Libby had the gift of staying in touch with people. She handwrote Christmas cards each year. She chose thoughtful gifts for each child for each birthday and Christmas, even when it was a struggle to get to the post office to mail them. She had the gift of hospitality and loved serving just the right dish or dessert to the right person at the right time. She could sense when someone needed to share or needed prayer.
Libby was passionate about sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with neighbors, friends and the students God brought her way. Even in her final days she ministered to those who were taking care of her. On the morning of September 2, 2015, Libby peacefully passed on in her sleep. She is survived by her six children, eighteen grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
Viewing is from 7:00 - 9:00 PM on Friday, September 4, at the Harry and Bryant Funeral Home, located at 500 Providence Road in Charlotte, NC. Memorial services are at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 5, at Plantation Estates in Matthews, NC. Contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse at SamaritansPurse.org
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