10/29/2023
Our classmate, Diane Gibson O'Malley, has lost her mother, Shirley Gibson. We all knew Shirley in her role as Secretary at GHS and remember her kind face and her smile she would greet us with. Shirley continued to smile at life throughout her many years. May God bless Shirley's family and help them navigate through this difficult time. Diane, we are very sorry for your loss.
Obituary for Shirley Gibson
Shirley Gibson, age 92, of Garnett, Kansas passed away on October 27, 2023, at Parkview Heights in Garnett, KS.
Shirley Ann Burroughs was born on June 20, 1931, in Kincaid, Kansas. She was the only child born to Esther (Mumma) and Orville Burroughs. Shirley's childhood included living in many places due to her father's travels for work. She especially loved living for a time in Nassau, Bahamas and met a lifelong friend, Norma Lightbourn, there. She enjoyed staying with her "Grandma B" on the farm and spending time with her favorite cousin, Don.
Shirley graduated from Garnett High School, and a few years later met Harley Gibson, Jr. who would be the love of her life. They were married on July 17, 1949, in Garnett, Kansas. The marriage was blessed with four daughters. Shirley worked for over 20 years as the secretary at Garnett High School, adding many "children" over the years who also called her mom. When she retired, she loved traveling with Harley, especially back to Nassau, or to Florida to visit her granddaughter and family.
By far, Shirley's greatest joy was her family. She loved nothing more than visiting them or having everyone gather at her house. One very special tradition was on Thanksgiving each year. In addition to the traditional Thanksgiving meal, that day was always reserved for decorating every inch of their house, inside and out, for Christmas. Hanging lights on the house and trying to keep the little ones away from the breakable ornaments on the tree made for hours of laughter and fun, and Shirley loved every minute.
After Harley passed away, Shirley missed him terribly, but kept busy with her family and loved being in her cozy home, until two years ago when her health forced her to move to Parkview Heights. The move to the nursing home meant that Shirley's family expanded again, and she was cared for and loved by everyone. They took such good care of her, even helping her celebrate her love of the Chiefs and Travis Kelce. They brought her so many "Kelce" things, but the best was the life-sized cutout that watched over her in her room. She lived every minute of her 92 years to the fullest and found something to be grateful for in every single day. She will be missed beyond measure.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; and by her husband of 66 years, Harley on August 17, 2015, and her 15th great grandchild, Baby Rempel.
She is survived by her four daughters, Susan Miller of Garnett, Kansas, Denise Cottenmyre and husband, John of Emporia, Kansas, Diane O'Malley and husband, Gerry of Westphalia, Kansas, Karen Ledom and husband, John of Lawrence, Kansas, and " #5" daughter Diane Hermreck Hirt of Waverly, Kansas. She is also survived by grandchildren Jesi Maley and family, Connor Cottenmyre, Kent Cottenmyre, Angela Ingram and family, Kevin Weldin and family, Dylan O'Malley, Shannon O'Malley, Bethany Rempel and husband Morgan, and Margaret Ledom. She is also survived by 14 great grandchildren.
Funeral services for Shirley will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, November 2, 2023, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery, Williamsburg, Kansas. Shirley's family will greet friends from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM on Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Parkview Heights and left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.
