Nelda Gibbs

1923 - 2016

Gibbs, Nelda

Nelda Gibbs, 92, Weston, passed away on May 22, 2016 under Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice. She was born on October 2, 1923, in Plainfield, WI, to the late Edgar and Bess (Anderson) Spees.

She is survived by one daughter Betsey Ray Gibbs LaPointe (Thomas), Schofield; three sons Robert Gibbs (Camilla Bicknell) Monument CO, David Gibbs (DeDe), Port Edwards, William Gibbs (Tami), Rothschild; one brother Tom Spees (Elaine), Rothschild; seven grandchildren Tricia LaPointe, Rachel, Ian, Addison, David, Nathan, Bobby Gibbs; one great grandson Fox Orion Jones LaPointe, and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Ray Gibbs, her two brothers Garth Spees and Bob Spees and two sisters Maxine Roecker and Roberta Weymouth.

Nelda graduated from Plainfield HS in 1941 and served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. She was a member of the Wisconsin chapter of the Women Marines Association. She completed her Bachelor's Degree at UW-Madison and later finished her Master's Degree at UW-Stevens Point, becoming a substitute teacher for D.C. Everest Area School District.

While raising her own children, she welcomed many foster children who enjoyed the loving family life she provided at the Silver Pump Farm in Weston. She harvested the garden and orchard, and with Ray, directed the farming efforts, assisting in 4-H, FFA and Wisconsin Valley Fair. Summer days required lots of hard work, but always included the daily family swim hour at the Weston pool. She had a leading role in the Weston Centennial celebration and the establishment of the cornerstone and fireplace at Kennedy Park.

Nel served as the organist at Peace Church in Schofield for many years. She touched many hearts teaching countless students to play the piano in her home studio. With her dedicated troop of clowns, she loved to entertain at community events and parades, and at the "old-folks homes." For many years, she organized and accompanied her singing group known as "The Candle Light Singers." She was well known for her wit and outgoing personality - never able to resist the opportunity to tell a joke, renew old friendships and make new ones.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at Peace United Church of Christ, 1530 Grand Ave, Schofield. Visitation will be at 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Tom Williams will officiate. Burial will be at 3:00 p.m. in the Plainfield Cemetery.

Family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Cedar Creek Manor for their loving care they gave to Nelda.

In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to one of Nel's favorite organizations: The Honor Flight (www.wisconsinhonorflight.org), Smile Train (cleft lip and palate repair charity: www.smiletrain.org), or Peace United Church of Christ in Schofield (www.peacechurchucc.com).

John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time. Online condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.com.