Name: Visitation for Rita Leola Hock Gibbs
Start: 2018-01-30T16:00:00.000Z
End: 2018-01-30T18:30:00.000Z
Location: St. Matthew's Catholic Church

On January 21, 2018, God the Father welcomed His beloved daughter, Rita Leola Hock Gibbs, into her eternal rest--and all in heaven rejoiced. At 98 years old, Rita was the most loving mother of Michael (Karen), Lawrence (Marian), James, Thomas (Karolyn) and Richard (Bobbie) and precious "Maw Maw" to 25 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild--all of whom mourn her loss but thank God for her life. Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Robert Gibbs, parents Dr. Carl Hock and Leola Grass Hock, sisters Dorothy (Davezac) and Helen (Durel), and brothers Charles Jr. and Roy. A woman of unwavering faith, Rita was a peace-filled lady who bore life's triumphs and trials with equal graciousness. A member of the "greatest generation," Rita married Robert after he escaped a POW camp during WWII, cheered him through veterinary school, and was his helpmate through years of private practice. But Rita considered that nothing compared to their finest accomplishment--their five sons. These were the jewels in her crown. Heartfelt thanks to Rita's caregivers, Betty Johnson, and Visiting Angels Earline Guilliard, Terrinell Carroll and Olivia Hess for their outstanding love and thoughtfulness. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at 12:30 pm on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at St. Matthew's Catholic Church, 10021 Jefferson Hwy, River Ridge, LA. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the time of the Memorial Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Robert and Rita Gibbs Scholarship Fund at Brother Martin High School are preferred. JACOB SCHOEN & SON in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit www.schoenfh.com.

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Published by The Times-Picayune from Jan. 22 to Jan. 28, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Rita Gibbs

Sponsored by Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home.

20 Entries

Dorothy Grady

January 16, 2022

Rita & I shared so many memories with each other as neighbors and raising our children together while I lived in New Orleans and I traveled to see her several times to see her and join her birthday celebrations & wedding gatherings of her sons. She was such a lovely woman & I felt like she was my sister I never had. Just miss her so much & hope to join her in Heaven one day.

Patricia Hock

December 18, 2021

Aunt Rita H. Gibbs
I always think about the older days
I Love you with all my Heart
I Miss you so much !
Your niece PATRICIA Hock

Patricia Hock

December 12, 2021

I Miss you so much Aunt Rita Gibbs
I Remember you Aunt Rita,Aunt Dorothy,Aunt Helen came into Emergency room at St.Tammany Hospital when I I had my Bad Car
Accident last year and to me, I Couldn´t die I had to take of your Sons And I say Yes ma´am I will do this I Promise I will never break my Promise to all my Aunts
Your Niece Patricia Hock
January 21st,2018

Kay Smith

February 1, 2018

My deepest sympathies to the entire Gibbs family. I know Rita Gibbs was very special to all of you and will be missed.

Dorothy Grady

February 1, 2018

I'm so sorry for the loss of a very loving and special friend of mine. I'm so happy to have been able to get up to visit with her as often as I could. We shared many happy memories as neighbors raising our families. My prayers go out to all the Gibbs family.

Mark Daniels and Family

January 30, 2018

Sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in our prayers

January 30, 2018

I have memories of Mrs Gibbs that date back over 45 years. Visiting the old family home in Gentilly when I was young always left me feeling good. I remember the ride from Little Farms to their house almost unbearable. But the ride back was always so short. Wonder why. I look back on those brief times with her, Dr Bob and, of course, the star of the show at time, Johnathan, as one that can be cherished. Rest in Peace Ms Rita. I know Helen and you have a lot to talk about. God only wants the best with Him. He blessed your family by granting you long full life to remember.

Craig and Tuesday Landry

January 30, 2018

Sorry for your loss. May the God of all tender comfort be with family and friends during this difficult time.

Patricia HOCK

January 30, 2018

Marie Crochet

January 29, 2018

Our sincere condolences to Michael, Larry, Tommy, Jimmy, Ricky and the entire Gibbs family. We are so grateful to spend some time with Mrs. Gibbs a few months ago. She was so gracious, kind and funny. She was always kind and so friendly to us. You all were truly blessed to have her in your life. She was truly a remarkable lady.
Lloyd and Marie Crochet

Carol Clifford

January 27, 2018

I am so thankful I was able to visit with Mrs. Rita in October. She always has a special space in my heart.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gibbs family.

Carol and Ed

Denise Runyan

January 27, 2018

Our sympathy to all of the Gibbs family.
May happy memories comfort you at this time.

Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

The Runyan Family

Jay Buisson

January 27, 2018

My sincerest sympathy, Larry, but pleased to know that your mother lived a full life as my mother did.

Janelle

January 26, 2018

I love you Maw Maw Gibbs. You are my special angel.

Jeff and Becky Pujol

January 26, 2018

My wife and I are sorry for your loss. May your family find peace.

kristin

January 24, 2018

You are not alone during this time of sorrow and pain. May God give your family strength and comfort to help you endure this loss. As you remember your beloved one, the God of peace give you comfort and peace in every way. May you find Strength from the love and care that surrounds you and comfort in the memories that you shared. Please accept my sincere condolences. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Marjean Gohd

January 23, 2018

So sorry for your loss, as a light goes out on the earth another appears in the sky to provide guidance and inspiration. May this light give provide you with needed warmth in the coming days.

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