Ruth Gibson

Ruth Zier Gibson, 92 of Harlan, was born on Friday, August 5, 1933, in Bad Kreuznach, Germany and entered Heaven on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at her home.

Ruth was known by many names, Miss. Ruthie to many, Mrs. G, Mamma Ruth, Mamaw, Grammy, and Mommy.

She lived a full and independent life full of trials, heartache, and joy. She kept everyone in line but would fight a bear for those she loved. She was tenacious and tough but sweet and loving. She loved her family fiercely. Our Mommy sure had a love for animals' whether they belonged to her or not. She loved feeding the birds and any stray that found their way to her porch.

Although she was born in Germany, she was so proud to be an American Citizen. She flew the American Flag proudly.

Its hard to measure the life of such a wonderful woman as in a few words, but anyone who knew her can understand what a wonderful person, neighbor, friend and Mother we were blessed to have known.

Our family would like to express our appreciation to Dr. Echeverria, all the nurses on fourth and fifth floor at Harlan Appalachian Regional Hospital, Bluegrass Care Navigators, and her best friend, Debra Fields who never left her side. We couldn't have done it without you!

She is preceded in death by her parents, Hugo Zier and Margaret Becker Zier, her husband, Ed Gibson, her sons, Edward "Eddie" Gibson JR., Kenneth Gibson, Rainer Gibson, Steve Gibson and her daughters, Marylon Gibson, Barbara Ruth Gibson Cole.

Ich Liebe dich, Mutter

(I Love you Mother)

She is survived by her children, Betty Barker (Charlie), Roger Gibson (Melissa) and Cathy Hill (Jim). Her grandchildren, Courtney Huebner (Ben), Alyssa Combs (Jarrod), Gracie Barker (Raymond), Charles Stephen Barker (Hailey), Peyton Wilson (Colby), Nicholas Gibson, Steve Edward Gibson, Amy Law, James Hill (Allison) Joseph Hill (Sarah). Her great-grandchildren, Sophie Huebner, Sutton Huebner, Sable Wilson, Psalm Wilson, Leo Combs, Samson Hill, Catherine Hill and Eli Hill. Her special nieces, Patricia Gilner and Trina Napier. Her special friends, Debra Fields and Tammy Brewer.

Visitation will be Monday from 5-7PM at Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be Monday, December 22, at 7PM in the Chapel of Henson & Rich Funeral Home with Rev. Jim Hill officiating.

Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery on Tuesday at 11AM with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

On behalf of Henson & Rich Funeral Home we would like to offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family of Ruth Gibson, during their time of bereavement.