In Memory Of
Betty Jane Gibson Gilbert
1922
2017
Betty Jane Gibson Gilbert
June 9, 1922 — December 7, 2017
Betty Jane Gibson Gilbert, age 95, the matriarch and heart of her family, passed away on December 7, 2017, Pearl Harbor Day. This is a day of great meaning to Betty as her only sibling, Billy E. Gibson, perished on the U.S.S. Arizona on this same date in 1941. Betty was born June 9, 1922 in the Farmington-Lancaster, KS community to Walter S. Gibson and Clara C. Thomas Gibson. She graduated from Atchison County Community High School in Effingham, KS in May 1939 at the age of 16. Betty began her teaching career in a one room school house at South Creek in Atchison County when she was 17 years old. On May 10, 1941, Betty married Raymond Dale Gilbert in Larkinburg, KS. Dale was drafted into the Marines in 1943 and Betty continued to teach and raise their son in the Larkinburg community.
In 1947, Betty and Dale moved to Topeka, KS. Betty continued her education through correspondence courses at Kansas State Teachers College, University of Kansas, and Kansas State University. In 1948, Betty gave birth to their daughter, Pat. Betty continued her teaching career in Topeka, concurrently attending Washburn University, raising her children, and being a devoted wife. In 1959, Betty earned her Bachelors of Education degree followed by her Masters of Education degree in 1966. Continuing her passion, Betty taught for 28 years in the Topeka School District.
Betty and Dale built a house at Lake Pomona in Vassar, KS in 1964 where they spent many weekends with their family fishing, water skiing, and enjoying nature. This became their full time residence in 1974. For her beloved grandchildren, every summer meant a week at the lake with Grammy and Grampy fishing, swimming, paddle boating, making ceramics, learning about nature, and attending plays at Vassar Playhouse.
Following the death of Dale on January 4, 1980, Betty moved back to Topeka and continued her lifelong hobby of researching family history. Ultimately, Betty wrote and published three genealogical books and a third on the founder of Tecumseh, KS, Thomas Stinson.
Betty was a tremendous educator who made an indelible impression on her students. Extremely gifted with children, she skillfully imparted knowledge and made students feel special and loved. She retired in May 1987 after 42 years of masterful teaching.
In June 1987, Betty married John L. Meyer. They were active in the Shriners and enjoyed traveling. Later, they divorced.
Betty was a member of the Topeka Retired Teachers Association, the Alpha Omicron Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority, the GJ Chapter of P.E.O., and was very involved in her high school reunion committee throughout her life, often hosting the events for these organizations.
For many decades, Betty was an extremely dedicated and tireless caretaker of several family members. As such, she became the repository for many family heirlooms, which she meticulously maintained.
Betty's creative artistry was evident in both her home and yard. Weaving her love of nature into every facet, she maintained a peaceful haven for all who had the privilege to visit.
The undeniable foundation of Betty's life was her faith. She was an active member of her church communities, uplifting the lives of many through her various roles. Christ's unconditional love emanated from Betty and she was a shining example to all, known for her compassion and acceptance. Fiercely independent, her life was a living testament to resiliency, humility, service, and grace. Betty was an incredible gift to countless many, particularly her family. She was an unwavering anchor of support- offering comfort, reassurance, encouragement, and profound words of wisdom.
Survivors include her children, Gary Gilbert (Linda) and Patricia Cummings (Marty) all of Tecumseh; five grandchildren, Darcy Kraus, Robin Gilbert, Penny Gilbert, Shawn Mahaffey, and Nathan Mahaffey; five great-grandchildren; and, five great, great grandchildren.
Services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, Topeka, KS. Graveside committal services will follow at 3:30 pm in Valley Falls Cemetery, Valley Falls, Kansas.
To honor Betty's passion and dedication to children, in lieu of flowers, please send memoriam's to State Street Elementary, 500 NE Sumner Street, Topeka, KS 66616.
To leave the family a special message, please select the Share Memories option listed above.
In 1947, Betty and Dale moved to Topeka, KS. Betty continued her education through correspondence courses at Kansas State Teachers College, University of Kansas, and Kansas State University. In 1948, Betty gave birth to their daughter, Pat. Betty continued her teaching career in Topeka, concurrently attending Washburn University, raising her children, and being a devoted wife. In 1959, Betty earned her Bachelors of Education degree followed by her Masters of Education degree in 1966. Continuing her passion, Betty taught for 28 years in the Topeka School District.
Betty and Dale built a house at Lake Pomona in Vassar, KS in 1964 where they spent many weekends with their family fishing, water skiing, and enjoying nature. This became their full time residence in 1974. For her beloved grandchildren, every summer meant a week at the lake with Grammy and Grampy fishing, swimming, paddle boating, making ceramics, learning about nature, and attending plays at Vassar Playhouse.
Following the death of Dale on January 4, 1980, Betty moved back to Topeka and continued her lifelong hobby of researching family history. Ultimately, Betty wrote and published three genealogical books and a third on the founder of Tecumseh, KS, Thomas Stinson.
Betty was a tremendous educator who made an indelible impression on her students. Extremely gifted with children, she skillfully imparted knowledge and made students feel special and loved. She retired in May 1987 after 42 years of masterful teaching.
In June 1987, Betty married John L. Meyer. They were active in the Shriners and enjoyed traveling. Later, they divorced.
Betty was a member of the Topeka Retired Teachers Association, the Alpha Omicron Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority, the GJ Chapter of P.E.O., and was very involved in her high school reunion committee throughout her life, often hosting the events for these organizations.
For many decades, Betty was an extremely dedicated and tireless caretaker of several family members. As such, she became the repository for many family heirlooms, which she meticulously maintained.
Betty's creative artistry was evident in both her home and yard. Weaving her love of nature into every facet, she maintained a peaceful haven for all who had the privilege to visit.
The undeniable foundation of Betty's life was her faith. She was an active member of her church communities, uplifting the lives of many through her various roles. Christ's unconditional love emanated from Betty and she was a shining example to all, known for her compassion and acceptance. Fiercely independent, her life was a living testament to resiliency, humility, service, and grace. Betty was an incredible gift to countless many, particularly her family. She was an unwavering anchor of support- offering comfort, reassurance, encouragement, and profound words of wisdom.
Survivors include her children, Gary Gilbert (Linda) and Patricia Cummings (Marty) all of Tecumseh; five grandchildren, Darcy Kraus, Robin Gilbert, Penny Gilbert, Shawn Mahaffey, and Nathan Mahaffey; five great-grandchildren; and, five great, great grandchildren.
Services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, Topeka, KS. Graveside committal services will follow at 3:30 pm in Valley Falls Cemetery, Valley Falls, Kansas.
To honor Betty's passion and dedication to children, in lieu of flowers, please send memoriam's to State Street Elementary, 500 NE Sumner Street, Topeka, KS 66616.
To leave the family a special message, please select the Share Memories option listed above.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Betty Jane Gibson Gilbert, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Service
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
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