Sarah Jane Utz Gibbs

GIBBS On January 30, 2007, Sarah Jane Utz Gibbs departed this world after a full 92 years of life. She was the daughter of the late Edward Newton Utz and Mary Mildred Utz. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Anna Virginia Ryan and Gertrude Louis Utz; brothers, William Edward Utz and Jesse Thomas Utz; niece, Debra Utz McLain; and her husband of 40 years, Ralph Gilwood Gibbs. She lived for 65 years at her beloved home, One Washington Circle, Madison, Va., before moving to the Culpeper Baptist Retirement Community. She is survived by nieces, Joyce U. Gates of Richmond, Va. and Peggy U. Carpenter of Brightwood, Va.; nephews, Robert E. "Bobby" Utz of Brightwood, Va., Thomas R. "Dickie" Utz of Oak Park, Va., Gerald G. Utz of Brightwood, Va. and their families. To honor her memory, she leaves 27 great-nephews and nieces; 28 great-great-nephews and nieces; and three great-great-great-nephew and nieces. She will be especially missed by a devoted great-nephew, David Michael Gates of Richmond, Va., whom she loved as her son; and nieces, Mary U. "Betty" Nichol of Brightwood, Va., and Gwenlyn Williamson of Richmond, Va.; and a dear friend, Mary Hood of Hood, Va. Sarah Jane never met a person she didn't like. Everyone loved her, so she leaves friends, too numerous to count. Sarah Jane worked for 37 years as Madison County Extension Services secretary. Her husband, Ralph, was co-owner of Gibbs and Estes Grocery Store, which was located on the now Peterson Building site. Her church work consisted of 50 years as treasurer of Beth Car Baptist Church, where she served on many committees. She was a life member and founder of the Woman's Fire Auxiliary. The family wishes to acknowledge and thank the caring doctors, nurses and staff at the Culpeper Hospital ICU. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Friday, February 2, 2007 at Beth Car Baptist Church with Dr. R. Wertenbaker Turner, followed by a private burial at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12 to 2 p.m. Friday at the church prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Beth Car Baptist Church, P.O. Box 119, Madison, Va. or the Madison Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 868, or the Madison Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 255, Madison, Va. 22727. Preddy Funeral Home in Madison is in charge of arrangements.