Martha Lou Gibbons, the daughter of Robert Emmett and Nora Jane (Turner) Vance, was born on December 21, 1935, in Tarkio, Missouri. Martha attended Loss Grove School, Tarkio. After graduating, she worked various jobs in Tarkio as well as working for a period of time in Burlington, Iowa, at a Sylvania light bulb manufacturing plant.
On January 9, 1961, Martha was united in marriage to Jack Gibbons in St. Louis, Illinois. They made their home on the farm in Westboro and became the parents of three daughters, Tami, Jana, and Tina. Jack passed away in 2011.
Martha was a homemaker, raising her daughters and helping her husband, Jack, on the farm. After Jack’s retirement in 2000, the couple moved to Platte City, Missouri.
She served the Lord her entire life. Martha was a member of the Assembly of God Church, Tarkio and later attended Christ Chapel, Platte City. She enjoyed playing the organ and piano during church services. Her favorite moments were those shared with her grandkids. Martha passed away on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at the age of 87.
Besides her parents and husband, Jack Gibbons, Martha was preceded in death by infant twin granddaughters; siblings, Robert “Bob” Vance, Paul Vance, Margaret Hannah, Evaline Riley, Alice Campbell, Irene Smith, Dorothy Ballinger, Darrell Vance, Roberta Mae Vance (infant), and Norman Vance; and half siblings, Don Vance, Roy Vance, and Reva Wright. Survivors include daughters, Tami (Jon) McCurdy, Overland Park, Kansas, and Jana (Kevin) Hessemyer and Tina (Jason) Sutter, both of Platte City; grandchildren, Ashley McCurdy, Aaron, Megan, and Logan Hessemyer, and Reid and Jack Sutter; siblings, David Vance and Mary Hope, both of Tarkio; special friends, David (Megan) McEnaney, Rachel (Jay) Stanton, and Denise (Kevin) Sanders, as well as their children; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside service and inurnment was held Monday, July 10, 2023, at Home Cemetery, Tarkio. Memorials may be directed to Tarkio Assembly of God, Tarkio, or Saint Luke’s Home Care and Hospice, Kansas City. Arrangements were under the direction of Davis Funeral Home in Tarkio. Online condolences may be left at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.
