Gilberta "Gibby" Matthews

Gilberta Matthews was born July 11, 1935, in Zanesville, Ohio to Harold Sunkel and Mary Elizabeth Miller. She graduated from Lash High School in 1953. She married Ronald Matthews in 1958 at Central Presbyterian Church in Zanesville. Together they raised a daughter, Deana, and a son, Kevin. She was a successful Mary Kay Beauty Consultant for 36 years, making many friends along the way. She passed away Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Arlington Care Center surrounded by her loving family.

Gibby was a patient, loving, and selfless wife and mother. She loved fashion, music, and art; she made many beautiful creations. She loved the movies and shared many classic films with her grandchildren. She prayed for each of her family members faithfully. Her family enjoyed hearing her wonderful, humorous stories about ordinary people and the events of her life delivered with comedic effect.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Ronald Matthews; a daughter, Deana Thomas; a son, Kevin Matthews; seven grandchildren: Charissa Matthews, Jordan Douglas, Dustin Matthews, Matthew Thomas, Apparittia Matthews, Storm Matthews, and Juliet Thomas. She was great-grandmother to four: Kailer Britton, Iain Douglas, Elinor Douglas, and Mila Douglas.

Her legacy is one of kindness, creativity, and patience. Her family is grateful for her life and love.

A funeral service for Gilberta will be 1:00 pm Thursday, February 26 at Vensil & Chute Funeral Home with Brian Douglas officiating. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Friends and family may call one hour prior to the service from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm on Thursday at the funeral home.