"Love spoken here?...what an incredible tribute in words (lovely obituary, and photos of a life well lived and celebrated. A spirited woman of smiles, commitment, joy, faith and family. My parents and her parents were close friends, and I loved seeing photos of Eloise, my confirmation sponsor. My heartfelt condolences to each and all privileged to love and be loved by her. Betty was both blessing and blessed. Her legacy is, indeed, love. Michelle (Shelly)Robbie "
In loving memory of
Elizabeth Ann Gibson
May 5, 1931 - February 21, 2021
Elizabeth "Betty" Gibson died Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021, at Rochester East Health Service surrounded by her children. She was 89.
She was born May 5, 1931, in International Falls to Walter and Eloise Scheela. Her father was a math teacher and high school athletic director and her mother was a homemaker.
Betty made the national honor society at Falls High School, was captain of the girls softball team, played the violin and starred in school plays.
She married Donald Gibson in 1949 and they set a goal of having a dozen children when their first son, Bruce, was born the following year. Eleven others followed, almost annually, until 1963, when they reached a perfect dozen.
While the burgeoning family required Donald to juggle multiple jobs, Betty thrived in her noisy household. She was a positive mother who sang while she vacuumed the house and was still smiling when her kids got home from school to find the living room draped with freshly ironed clothes.
The Gibson family lived in International Falls, Buffalo, WY and Woodstock, IL, before moving to Rochester in 1965.
There was not a lot of money, or even enough sometimes, but the kids didn't seem to know.
Both parents were active in their children's sports teams and Betty was a Cub Scout leader who didn't mind adding more kids to an already full table.
When her youngest child started kindergarten in 1969, Betty went to work at the Rochester Post Bulletin, where she handled classified ads until 1982.
She was a lifelong Catholic and a member of Church of the Resurrection and later Pax Christi Catholic Church.
She was also a poet, ready to share a well-crafted rhyme at special occasions. She was funny, occasionally slinging a verbal jab if someone needed to be put in their place. She was the life of the party and the heart of her family.
Somehow, in her spare time she also became a master crocheter, producing a mountain's-worth of mittens, scarves, hats, Christmas stockings and dolls. She made afghan blankets for each of her 36 grandchildren, presenting them at their high school graduations. The final one was presented five years ago.
Betty and Donald divorced in 1976 and she married John Marsolek in 1982 and moved to Austin. They enjoyed dancing, traveling and playing cards during their time together. They later divorced and Betty returned to Rochester in 2010.
Betty got her first apartment in Rochester the following year and, at age 80, she was living alone for the first time. She loved her new social life, taking the bus around town and attending her grandkids' various sporting events. She was the loudest voice in the stands. Even the referees knew when she was there.
It would be accurate to call Betty an expert on Minnesota sports and a huge fan of the Vikings, Twins and the Gophers hockey team. She loved attending games in the Twin Cities and enticed her children to take her because she never learned to drive.
She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease six years ago and lived in several senior housing facilities in Rochester.
When she moved to Health Services East nearly four years ago, she could no longer feed herself. So every night, one of her children would show up to feed her dinner. On weekends, as many as nine relatives would turn up, vying for the honor of feeding her. She was always happy for the company.
The Gibson family would like to thank the staff of Rochester Health Services East for the outstanding care they provided our mother. She always seemed content and well cared for.
Betty is survived by two brothers, William Scheela of Bemidji and Walter Scheela of Indio, CA; 12 children, Bruce (Bonnie) Gibson of Rochester, Sherry (Gary) Jacobson of Austin, TX, Patti (Jim) Middendorf of Clayton, CA, Gail (Dan) Johnson of Pine River, Marcia (Keith) Seibert of Chaska, Donnie (Kathy) Gibson of Rochester, David (Sue) Gibson of Rochester, Diane (Gary) Hart of Olathe, KS, Cari (Jim) Schultz, of Rochester, Jill (Jay) Williams of Owatonna, Scott Gibson of Oronoco and Susie (Steve) Bauer of Faribault; 36 grandchildren, Adam, Eric and Sean Gibson and Bethany Schwalbe; Libby Gagne and Gunnar Jacobson; Luke, Isaac and Kendra Middendorf; Willie and Drew Johnson, Katie Cichy and Molly Medenwaldt; Nicki Blazevic-Seibert, Jodi Cossitt, Amy Seibert and Angela Robinette; Tony Gibson, Kelly Kranz and Maggie Campbell; Erin, Laura and Gina Gibson; Jeremy Aug, Ryan Helling, Sarah Hall and Jesse Hart; Jacob Schultz and Cali Salley; Melissa Richer and Alec Williams; Samantha Ryan and Mitch Gibson; April Kanzenbach, Chase and EllieBeth Bauer; and 48 great-grandchildren.
A public visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, March 1, 2021 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Pl NW, Rochester, MN. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Minnesota. A private service for family will be livestreamed on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at 11 a.m. on The Church of the Resurrection webpage: www.rescathroch.org/WP/ Due to COVID-19 health concerns, masks are required at all services with proper social distancing measures.
Memorials preferred to Rochester East Health Services, 501 8th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Gibson family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Love spoken here?...what an incredible tribute in words (lovely obituary, and photos of a life well lived and celebrated. A spirited woman of smiles, commitment, joy, faith and family. My parents and her parents were close friends, and I loved seeing photos of Eloise, my confirmation sponsor. My heartfelt condolences to each and all privileged to love and be loved by her. Betty was both blessing and blessed. Her legacy is, indeed, love. Michelle (Shelly)Robbie "
"Dave Gibson and Family It may seem like things are sad right now, but from my own experience I can tell you your wonderful memories will fill you with laughter and joy. The funeral was beautiful and the sharing of memories very moving. May God bless you and your family in the times ahead. Jim Heydon"
"I'll not forget when Betty moved in to High Pointe. She was delighted to be here and made may friends and enjoyed participating in social gatherings. What wit! She was such a delight. she was so proud of all of the kids and grandkids. We were sad to see her go but also knew she needed to be somewhere that had 24/7 care. Peace, prayers and blessings,
Chris Kern"
"I'm offering my condolences to the family. I think back to Southport neighborhood and all I can say is 'WOW"! Our families were so intertwined with each others back in the early years. Pinewood School, Central High and of course Mayo. Playing softball in your yard by the willow tree your Dad planted. Parties in the garage. Marcia and I going to Father/Daughter Dance at mayo with our Dads. My crush on David back in grade school. Just so many great memories to look back on. It was wonderful seeing Bruce and Carrrie at Moms memorial service a few years back. Would love to have come to visitation but due to covid , it just isn't possible. May your family know yous are all in our thoughts and prayers. Again, my deepest sympathy extended to all the Gibson family and relatives. Tink and Dick Schultz"
"To the Gibson families,
So sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Betty and the entire family growing up in the Southport area. In the early years I had many encounters with Betty as the Post Bulletin carrier and collecting the $ 1.80 for the two weeks of home delivery. She was a very kind lady and always had time to visit.
May all your fond memories of Betty bring you comfort and peace. With deepest sympathy and prayers.
Joel Messmer"
"It was an act of love when my siblings decided to take over my mom?s feedings at the nursing home every night because she could no longer do it. And it became a commitment that lasted almost four years. One of the staffers at the nursing home understood why the family stepped in. ?You can always tell the great moms,? she said. Yes, we certainly could. Sherry Gibson Jacobson"
"I will always remember your Mom with fondness. She was such a good pal of my folks, Mike and DIxie Karpesh. Her visits were always an occasion and laughter filled. Even after my Mom passed she made it a point to stop by Dad's whenever in the Falls. She and I also kept in touch with notes I cherished right up until her health no longer permitted. One of my favorite memories is the trip my family made to visit, where all 15 of us kids were crowded on a double bed in your basement in Rochester, waiting out a tornado warning. Not sure any of you would remember that given tornado warnings were a common occurrence, but for a Falls kid, not so much. It was my first and what an experience to be in the midst of all that chaos with Betty attempting to ride herd on the entire group! All of you Gibson clan are a true tribute to what a wonderful woman she was and she will be missed. Pam Karpesh"
"Our sincere sympathies are sent up to you all from the Central Florida area; where we are wintering & where we have learned of your mom's passing on line. Our thoughts are particularly with you Cari & David, being the closest to us, of all your family tribe... We remember your mom being present at several of the Gibson gatherings that we attended down through the years. May time heal the sorrow you now share in your loved ones passing and soon bring you all comfort & consolation. Cordially, Louie & Marian Bortolon"
"I love you all... sending prayers and big Hugs"
"I have treasured memories of your family, especially at the lake. What a wonderful legacy she leaves with all of you! My love and sympathy to all of you."
"What an amazing life for an amazing lady. As a little kid I always enjoyed our family trips to Woodstock or Rochester to visit with my Gibson cousins with the amazing mother. Betty was indeed a special lady and our love and prayers go out to her and her family. Rest in peace Betty. All our love. Charlie, Lou Lessard and families."
"You raised an amazing family and held it together with family values and family reunions. Family First was your motto and practiced it. When I met you and your family in 1981 when Walt and I were to get married, I was amazed at the special and caring characters your children expressed and presented themselves. Goes to the character of you as a Mom. We enjoyed your trip to Belgium with your Mom (Gram) and celebrated her birthday at the Moulin Rouge in Paris. Amazing adventure. Always fun at the cabin with Bocce Ball on the 4th of July with the Skifstroms. You are a very special person and will live forever in my heart. You adopted me as a ?sister?, and I have a saying: ?GIRLFRIENDS ARE SISTERS WE CHOOSE FOR OURSELVES? Live, Love, Laugh, that is what I learned from you Betty after 39 years. God rest your soul. Love Janie "
"Betty was not only an outstanding Mom, she was also a fantastic Sister. I was always amazed at how in the midst of raising 12 kids in a chaotic household, she always found time to send me a birthday card, crochet something in my favorite colors or simply mail me a note to keep in touch. Whether we were playing Blackout at the cabin, or watching the Vikings at the Met in the freezing cold or playing bocce ball at a family gathering, it was always fun to be with Betty. Rest in Peace. Love Walt."
"Prayers and peace and healing for all of you at the loss of your sister, mom and gram. Do not forget that these tears at loss that you shed are the only way we have to wash our souls. My thoughts and prayers are there. Dorothy Bowman, Billings, Mt."
"I will always remember your mom as a happy and friendly mom to all of your friends! Ron Oman, Long Beach, Ms"
"My love and prayers are with you all. What wonderful memories I have of growing up in the Falls with Betty? tagging along with my older cousin. I?ve always admired her unfailing dedication and support for family. She was so proud of all of you. I would periodically get an update of each of your lives. What a wonderful mother she was! I?m so sorry that I?m unable to attend the services but I hold you all in my heart. God bless. Lovingly, Judy Lessard Louhi"
"Hard to lose a love one even when you know they are pain free now. Your all in our thoughts and prayers."
"Betty truly lived a full life and blessed with 12 children..Now she is at peace cheering on her family team..Cherish your memories..."