Becky Goodbar Gibson

Becky Goodbar Gibson, 83, passed away peacefully November 12, 2025 at Bridge Haven Memory Care in Lawrence, KS following an eight-year battle with dementia. Though she is no longer with us in body, the grace, joy, and kindness she so freely gave remain woven throughout the countless lives she touched. 

Born on July 8, 1942, in Kansas City, MO, Becky was the daughter of the late John and Anna (Cook) Goodbar. She grew up in Kansas City, KS, where her bright spirit and natural talent were evident early on. As a child, she and her brother, Jerry became a successful dance team—talented enough to appear on the Ed Sullivan Show. The joy of music and movement never left her, and stories of those early days remained treasured memories for her family. 

Becky attended the University of Kansas, graduating in 1964. That same year, she married the love of her life, Harry Gibson, beginning a partnership of more than 61 beautiful years. Their life together took them to Louisiana, Texas, and California as Harry’s career opened new chapters. With each move, Becky embraced every community with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to give of herself. She made friends easily, nurtured deep connections, and left every place better than she found it. Her infectious smile lit up every room creating a calming loving environment. 

A gifted teacher, Becky, spent 15 years in classrooms in Kansas and Texas, where her students thrived under her gentle guidance and genuine belief in their potential. She was honored as Teacher of the Year at two of her elementary schools—recognition that reflected her love of learning and her steadfast dedication to children. 

Becky also found lifelong sisterhood as a proud member of Gamma Phi Beta at KU. She helped establish the sorority’s chapter at LSU and later served on advisory boards at both KU and LSU. Her commitment to service extended well beyond education. Whether living in Baton Rouge, Houston, Northern California, or Lawrence, Becky always found ways to serve. She gave her time as a Docent at the Louisiana State Capitol, volunteered with youth and adult sports organizations in California, and supported hospitals in Houston and Lawrence with warmth and compassion. 

In Lawrence, Becky embraced opportunities to support causes close to her heart. She served on the KU School of Education Advisory Board, the United Way Board, and the LMH Health Foundation Board. In 2019, she received the Elizabeth Watkins Community Caring Award from LMH—an honor that meant a great deal to her. She loved her work with LMH and believed deeply in its mission of care for the community. 

As accomplished and involved as she was, Becky’s greatest joy was her family. She poured her heart into being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her faith guided her and she embodied kindness, humility, and generosity in all that she did. Her love was gentle but steady, her presence warm and reassuring. She was the quiet source of encouragement, celebration, and strength for the people she loved most. 

Becky is survived by her husband, Harry; her children Lisa (Dan) O’Rourke and Michael (Candy) Gibson; and her grandchildren Darby (Matt) DiJohn, Megan O’Rourke, Danny O’Rourke, Miles Gibson, and Camden Gibson. She is also survived by her sister, Judy Mullen. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Jerry Goodbar. 

The Gibson family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Bridge Haven Eltern House staff and Interim Hospice for the extraordinary care, compassion, and tenderness shown to Becky during the past five months. 

A Mass honoring Becky’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence, KS. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., opening with the Rosary. Inurnment will take place at Pioneer Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Corpus Christi Catholic Church or the LMH Health Heart Center, in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044. 

Today, we remember Becky not for the illness that marked her final years, but for the light she shared with her family, her friends, students, and her community. She lived with grace, served with compassion, and loved with her whole heart. Her life was a blessing, her smile contagious and her love everlasting.