Ruth Evelyn Gibson

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Ruth Evelyn Gibson on October 24, 2025. Born to Ernest and Evelyn Bowman in Keams Canyon AZ in September 1942.

Ruth grew up in New Mexico, graduating from Los Alamos High School. She married Hezzie Gibson in 1961, they lived in Los Alamos, where they welcomed and raised their son Lee, later moving to the Espanola valley where they made their home for the past 30 plus years. Ruth worked and retired from Los Alamos National Laboratory. After retirement Ruth attended massage therapy school, she became a licensed massage therapist and ran her own business out of her home in Espanola. Ruth enjoyed hosting family functions, gathering with friends and spending time with her many nieces and nephews. Holidays were significant and never went by without Ruth’s careful planning, decorating, and cooking for the season. Ruth loved to visit, especially if she had one on one time with the special people in her life. She was a very loving wife, mom, and Gram, planning special dinners and events unique to make a person feel special, often heard telling someone they were the “Bestest in the Westest”, always building special memories. Ruth was truly a native of the southwest always admiring the beauty of the colored rock formations, wildflowers and the glow of the fall aspens. She was appreciative of the sunrise but loved the sunset views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents Ernest and Evelyn Bowman and siblings; Milton “Buster” Freestone, Lorraine Livermore, Fred Zumwalt, Joe Bowman, Sally Winn and Ruth Dean Sorrels.

Ruth is survived by her husband Hezzie L. Gibson; son L. Lee Gibson and his wife Felicia; grandson John Gibson and his wife Rachel; and granddaughter Maria Gibson. As well as numerous nieces, nephews, special family and friends. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. The Gibson family would like to acknowledge and thank the staff of Beehive for the care and assistance given to Ruth in the last few years.