MENTONE – Jacqueline J. Gibble, 76, formerly of Mentone, died at 7:35 p.m. Dec. 14, 2011, in Mason Health Care Center, Warsaw, where she resided.
She was born Oct. 25, 1935, in Kosciusko County, to Ralph C. and Vadis Elick Ward. On June 27, 1954, in Mentone United Methodist Church, she married Rodney K. Gibble, who died Aug. 22, 2010.
She worked for many years in the Mentone Elementary/High School cafeteria and retired as head cook at Burket Elementary School. Living most of her life in Mentone, she graduated from Mentone High School in 1954. Her family owned Ward’s Paint and Wallpaper Store, Main Street. Known as the matriarch of the Gibble family, she shared her crocheting talent with friends and family who will treasure the many afghans adorning their homes. She loved collecting antiques, Longaberger baskets and Boyd’s Bears. She was a lifelong member of Mentone United Methodist Church and enjoyed the Methodist Women’s Group. In 2002, Alzheimer’s staked its claim on her and over time stole her vibrant, loving personality. Her husband cared for her every need until it became impossible to do so without professional help. After a long battle with this terrible disease, she now finds peace.
Surviving are two daughters, Calleen (and spouse Jack) Sausaman, Syracuse, and Judith (and spouse Tim) Smith, Mentone; a son, Greg (and spouse Mary) Gibble, Greenfield; five grandchildren: Matt (and spouse Christi) Sausaman; Nolan (and spouse Shannon) Sausaman; Sarah (and spouse Matt) Davis; and Austin and Emily Gibble; seven great-grandchildren; and a brother, Ron Ward. She was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Ashleigh Bruner, who died Oct. 20, 1996, and a brother, Ted Ward.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at King Memorial Home, 101 N. Tucker St., Mentone, with the Rev. Amber Karkosky-Litten officiating. Burial will be in Mentone Cemetery.
Calling is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
***** Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Mentone United Methodist Church.
Condolences may be sent via www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com
