Betty L. Gibson

Betty L. Gibson, longtime Moses Lake resident, passed away on August 22, 2004 after a short battle with cancer. She was born April 17, 1922 in Clinton, Okla. Betty was the second of six children born to Guy and Emma Joyce Hawkins.

She was raised in Clinton, Okla. Betty married Don Gibson in 1951, and they traveled all over the western U.S. through the Electrical Union for work. They eventually made their home in East Wenatchee, Wash. In 1979, after the passing of her loving husband of 28 yeas, Betty moved to Moses Lake, where she resided until her passing.

Betty was very "patriotic" and showed her true patriotism during World War II, working as a "riveter" in the building of military airplanes on a base in California. She was also very proud of her American Indian heritage and her craftwork reflected this heritage.

Betty won numerous blue ribbons for her crocheting talents at the Grant County Fair and at various arts and crafts exhibits. Her love of country music and the western way of life kept her an avid watcher of TNN. She prided herself in the success of her son's karate business, and worked for many years in his "Freewind Martial Arts Karate Tournaments."

But her family was biggest pride and joy. And the many memories she left behind through years of taking photos will become her legacy. Holiday dinners, where all her family would gather, were her most valuable and treasured times.

For the past 18 years, Betty has been a resident of the Beech Court Apartments, where she made many close friends who will miss her dearly.

Besides her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Don Gibson, her sister, Phyllis Orahzda, and an infant son.

Betty is survived by: many friends and family who will miss her dearly; brothers, John and Kelly Hawkins of Oklahoma; sisters, Gwyla (Sissy) Graves of Texas and Anna Mae Kornelia of Oklahoma; children, Marilyn Martinez and Dean, Judy and Bob Ottmar and Jack Gibson, all of Moses Lake; grandchildren, Letha, Andy, both of California, Lynn (Sam) of Texas, and Joe and Denyse Ottmar of Moses Lake, Kelly Ottmar of Hawaii, Tyler and Nicole Gibson of Moses Lake, and Tristan Gibson of Moses Lake; great-grandchildren, Katie, Andrew, Brian, Donnie, Cassidy, Kayla, Coy (C.J.) and Alena; and special mention to Darolyn Gibson and numerous nieces and nephews.

At Betty's request, no funeral services will be held. Her request was for her family to gather together and have a celebration dinner in her honor.

Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel and Crematory, Moses Lake.

Your body weak, Your will was strong, and now at last, Your pain is gone.

We'll miss your loving, smiling face, Your gentle nature, Your Kind embrace.

The tears we shed, From shattered hearts, Will mend in time By kinder thoughts.

Thoughts and memories That we hold true, To remind us all, Our love for you.

And now it's time we say good-bye. In each, our special way. For deep inside our lonely hearts We know it's God's way.

In loving memory of "Mom," "Sis," "Betty," "Nan-Nan" and "Nanny." We love you.y, Moses Lake.