Ella Gibbs, 72 of Canyon, passed away on Sunday January 23, 2022 surrounded by her children. Services will be at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday January 29, 2022 at Brooks Chapel with Bobby Loftin officiating. Burial will follow at Dreamland Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 28, 2022 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at Brooks Chapel.
Ella was born October 6, 1949 in Borger, Texas to James and Nina Pierce McHone. She married Walter Kin Gibbs in 1985. Together the two embarked on a 30-year journey encouraging and mentoring their blended families, as well as crusading for the Lord after receiving their salvation.
Ella lived a humble and modest life. She was a devout Christian and member of Oasis Baptist Church in Amarillo. She faithfully served her Lord and Savior in multiple organizations and groups. For almost 30 years she served daily, weekly, and monthly for the Women’s Auxiliary of the Gideons International, counseled and taught Women’s Ministry at the Randall County Jail and State Penitentiary, and volunteered with the County Hospice Organization in homes, hospitals, and nursing home facilities. Ella also taught Children’s Sunday School and counseled and discipled women, and coordinated, cooked, and delivered meals for college students at the Baptist Student Center at West Texas A&M University. She also served and aided multiple families in the community in short and long-term sickness and hapless during their convalescence in and out of group homes, facilities, and institutions.
Ella was a homemaker and dedicated loving mother in the earlier years of her life. After marrying Kin, she began working alongside her husband running the meat market at Taylor and Son’s until its closure. The two then transitioned to Walmart where they continued their labors for a number of years until the sudden death of Kin in 2010. Just 7 weeks later Ella’s health began to take a downward spiral that gradually worsened over an 11-year span. While still hoping for remission from an earlier diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, she developed SSL and neuropathy. These diseases were followed by a stroke that left her blind with minor paralysis. Shortly after her stroke, she was diagnosed with stomach and bladder cancer, eventually rendering her completely helpless and immobile. Miraculously, through her challenging ailments, she never lost her awareness or conviction to serve her Lord.
Ella’s humility, modesty, sacrifices, and obedience showed in every aspect of her daily life. She took pride in her relationships with her children, friends, and the community.
Ella is survived by her children Shelly (Dewey) Walker (Dubois), Jennifer Dewey, Bruce Dewey Jr. (Robin), Kevin Dewey (Brittany), Curtis Gibbs, Cynthia Gibbs, Kinney Gibbs, Kimberly (Gibbs) Richter (Kurt), Julie (Gibbs) Pruitt (Donny). She leaves behind 27 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.
Ella is preceded in death by her husband, Walter Kin Gibbs, her parents, multiple siblings, son, and grandson.
In lieu of flowers, Ella’s children have asked that you honor her memory by doing an unexpected act of kindness for someone less fortunate.
Pallbearers: Andrew Walker, Josh Irving, Scotty Conners, Chris Campbell, Bryan Ledford, Joe Cardenas