Nancy Gibbs, 82

Nancy E. Gibbs of Three Rivers, passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the age of 82. She was born February 14, 1942 in Kalamazoo, a daughter of Carl and Daisy (Harding) Bowman. Nancy graduated from Schoolcraft High School in 1960. She later received her associate degree from Glen Oaks Community College and attended Parson Business School.  In October of 1961, she married Donald Gibbs. They had 3 children but then divorced after 20 years of marriage.

Nancy was employed in the Human Resources Department of Michigan Works of St. Petersburg, FL. She also worked at the Radisson/Hilton Hotel in Kalamazoo as Human Resources Director, and for CETA Placement and Education Services in Centreville.

Nancy served as a leader for the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts in Centreville. She was instrumental in the formation of the Centreville Pee Wee All-Girls team called the Tweety Birds, which was an integral first step in the inception of the Centreville/Nottawa Girls Softball League.

Nancy was also an active volunteer at Centreville High School basketball games as a ticket taker, never missing a game or cheer event that her daughter was involved in.  She was supportive of her children no matter what their interests and many fondly remember her braiding horse tails for shows in which her son participated. Nancy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s many years ago.  She was a fighter, and fought the disease until her very last breath with dignity.

Nancy was the rock that held her family together.  She surpassed every single setback regardless of her limitations with her Polio, which she contracted at age 3.  She did not let her disability stop her from living the life she chose. She was known for her vibrant outfits and cruising around town in her mellow yellow VW Bug convertible with a big smile.  She lived by a few mottos including: “If you got it, work it” and “You can do anything you want to do, but you just might have to find a different way”.

Surviving are her sons Timothy Gibbs, Three Rivers,  Tod Gibbs, Dallas, TX,  daughter Tina Benson, Three Rivers,  grandchildren Amanda, Abbey, Kristopher, Jason, Emmalee, Sadie, many great grandchildren, brother William (Sue) Bowman, Rapid River, MI and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sister Linda L’Esperance.

Her wishes were to be cremated.  Relatives and friends will be received to honor and celebrate her life on Saturday April 6, 2024 from 12pm to 3pm at Eley Funeral Home in Centreville. Her ashes will later be interred at Prairie River Cemetery, Centreville. Please sign Nancy’s guestbook and leave a memory for her family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.