Lucille Gibson

Lucille Marcia Gibson, 86, of Columbia Falls passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008, due to natural causes. Lucille was born on April 22, 1922 in Columbus, Neb., to Sutton and Martha Woods.

She graduated from Marshall Missouri High School, attended Missouri Teachers College at Warrensburg, Mo., and taught in a rural school. In 1943, she worked for the US Weather Bureau in Huron, S.D., and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy Waves in May 1944. She was then stationed at the Navy Weather Central in Seattle, Wash. While there, she met the love of her life, Albert O. Gibson, and they were married on Sept. 26, 1946, in Superior, and became parents of four children.

Lucille loved teaching school as a substitute teacher. She never drove, so she caught the bus to school with the kids. She was an avid reader and loved sharing her knowledge with children of all ages.

Lucille and Al started traveling after retirement and were fortunate to have visited 49 states. She loved Alaska - the land of the midnight sun - because she could read all night.

She was very proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially those who have served in the military.

Lucille was preceded in death by her mom and dad, Sutton and Martha Woods.

She is survived by her loving husband, Al Gibson; and her four children, Steven and Merry Ann Gibson of Newport, Wash., Jeanne and Pat Burk of Trout Creek, Marcia and Chad Trenkle of Columbia Falls, and Mike and Carolyn Gibson of Columbia Falls; 11 great-grandchildren; and 17 grandchildren. She is survived by a sister, Barbara and Howard Ranes of Missouri, and their wonderful traveling companions, Art and Ann Trenkle of Columbia Falls.

A celebration of life honoring Lucille was held on Saturday, Dec. 6 at the North Valley Community Center in Columbia Falls.