Robert "Bob" Duane and Shirley Ann (Veltrie) GIBSON

1934 - 2025

Robert "Bob" Duane

Aug 15, 1934 - Sep 30, 2025

Shirley Ann (Veltrie)

Aug 23, 1934 - Dec 11, 2025

Married: Aug. 25, 1962

Heaven gained two incredible human beings in 2025. Bob and Shirley Gibson met in 1956 and married in 1962. Their 69 years together were full of joy and challenges, laughter and tears, friends and family. They formed the perfect union together, although they were complete opposites. Shirley's calm demeanor brought balance to Bob's strong personality. His ornery exterior was just a shell. Inside, he was a kind and caring man who would even occasionally tear up during a sad movie or song. Shirley always gave Bob grace; however, knew when to put him in his place when he needed it.

Both Bob and Shirley were hard workers and always supported their family not just financially, but with love, kindness, and guidance. Both were "doers." They just didn't talk about things; they got things done. And they instilled that same strong work ethic in their children and grandchildren.

Shirley was an incredibly sincere and kind-hearted person. Her fun-loving nature, ability to listen, and unwavering compassion made people gravitate towards her. These characteristics are why she had so many meaningful friendships throughout her 92 years of life.

Bob was a creative thinker. A construction estimator by trade, he understood the value of a dollar and knew how to make it stretch. He was savvy and invested in real estate and always thought ahead.

Shirley, a full-blooded Italian Catholic, knew her way around a kitchen and was always the hostess with the mostest! She loved shopping, traveling the country, summer camping trips, reading a good book, knitting, playing the piano, and her beloved aerobics class with friends.

Bob came from a strong Irish-German Catholic family. He loved the end cut of prime rib and a healthy pour of Cabernet. He loved dancing, reading, and riding his bike. He could sketch and draw well and never missed a prime day of fishing on the lake.

Both Bob and Shirley loved sports and were Mariners, Seahawks, Zags, and avid Notre Dame football fans. Later in life, both even had the opportunity to attend a game in South Bend.

Active and proud grandparents to their two grandsons, they were "Grammy" and "Papa." They were grandparents that got on the floor to play a game or outside to throw a ball. They never missed a school or sporting event to cheer them on.

Their final years were difficult, but one thing that never changed was their strong faith in God, unconditional love for family and friends, and most of all love for each other. They are in a happier place now and most likely enjoying their "happy hours" together and holding hands.

The family would like to thank New Sundance Adult Family Home for the incredible end-of-life care they provided to both Bob and Shirley.

A memorial Mass will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church on Saturday, January 3, from 1:00 – 2:00 P.M., and a celebration of life reception will follow at 1898 Public House.