Evelyn Gibbs

Evelyn Gibbs, 91

Evelyn K. Kepple Arnould Bangtson Gibbs, 91, of Tucson, Arizona, died August 27, 2010 at home with her family.

Evelyn was born June 27, 1919 in Bardolph, IL to Vivian and Elsie (Brewbaker) Kepple. She graduated from Western Illinois State Teacher’s College Academy (Macomb, IL) and Western Illinois University. Evelyn taught for 32 years at the Whiteside Area Vocational Center (Sterling, IL.) and Dixon High School (Dixon, IL), where she developed the curriculum for the Office Occupations and Distributive Education Programs. Evelyn especially liked to work with the students that presented the most challenge. She was president of the Phidian’s Art Club (Dixon.)

Evelyn enjoyed being married. In 1942 she married Gerald R. Arnould (deceased) and was blessed with a daughter, Jalaine Kathryn. She was a devoted, generous mother as well as a best friend to her daughter. Evelyn married Francis R. Bangtson (deceased) in 1968. That union brought four step-children into her life – James Bangtson (Carol), David Bangtson (Kris), Thomas Bangtson (Sue) and Jeanne Bangtson (Nancy.) Evelyn remained in Dixon until 1985 when she moved to Tucson to live closer to her daughter; she loved the sunshine, blue skies and mountains of the southwest. In 1992 Evelyn married Charles Gibbs (deceased) and gained a step-son, Charles Gibbs Jr. (Beverly) and step-daughter, Mary Ingles.

Evelyn was a formidable bridge player. She loved people, intelligent conversation and kept up with current issues and news. She had a few dear friends with whom she remained close until her death. Evelyn was creative and interested in fashion. She had an impeccable sense of style; her hair was always coiffed with a flip and nails polished to perfection. She enjoyed dancing, dining out and traveling anywhere. She was a member of the Skyline Country Club and past president of the Skyline Women’s Club. She worshipped at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. She was a breast cancer survivor. Evelyn celebrated and approached life with an unshakable positive attitude. Her quick wit and sense of humor were ever present and much appreciated in her final days.

Evelyn is survived by her daughter Jalaine Flynn (Tucson); her grandchildren Derek Hoyle and Chase Flynn (both of Tucson); great grandchildren Zachary and Emerson Hoyle; nephews, Don Bockler (Paulette) and Roy Bockler (Debbie); niece Beverly McNeeley; three great-nephews and three great-nieces. Her sister Martha Maxine Blocker recently preceded her in death in July.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 21, 2010 with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM both at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY, 5801 E. Grant Rd.

Special thanks are extended to Rev. John Conn, Diane McAllister, Tom Davis and TMC Hospice for their support. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to TMC Hospice or the American Cancer Society.