Frances Gibson

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Frances Marie Gibson, 85 of Baxter Springs, KS passed from this life on Friday, April 29, 2016 at her daughter’s house in Carterville, Mo after a courageous battle with cancer.

Frances was born on August 6, 1930 in Sublette, Idaho to the union of Logan and Mildred (Horton) Seckman. She was united in marriage to Ed Gibson on August 12, 1951 in Baxter Springs, KS.

Frances received her Bachelor of Science degree in 1951 from Kansas State Teachers College of Pittsburg. After graduating she taught for Baxter Springs public schools. She then stopped teaching for a period of time, while she started her family and helped her husband at the Gambles Store, which was a sales and repair appliance store in Baxter Springs, KS. In 1968, she went back to teaching and worked for Riverton Schools until retiring in 1993 to help with her grandchildren. Frances enjoyed crossword puzzles, flowers, and always a good cup of coffee.

Frances is survived by two sons, Mark Gibson of Fair Grove, MO and Mike Gibson of Baxter Springs, KS; three daughters, Melissa Arbuckle of Weir, KS, Martha McNeely and husband Bill of San Diego, CA, and Mandy Arterburn and husband Brian of Carterville, MO; two brothers, John Seckman and wife Pat of Hillsboro, Mo, and Paul Seckman and wife Thelma of Melrose, KS; one sister, Mary Pierce of Republic, MO; six grandchildren, Heather Kahalewai, Tyler Gibson, Zach Gibson, Tayler Arterburn, Sam McNeely, and Chase Arbuckle; one great granddaughter, Lyric Kahalewai; one special friend Mary Ann Talbot.

Frances is preceded in death by her parents; step-father, John Seckman; husband Ed Gibson; daughter, Mary Gibson; sister, Virginia Wheeler; brother-in-law, Dwight Pierce.

Frances has been entrusted to Derfelt’s Baxter Chapel for cremation. Memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 from 4:00-6:30 p.m., at Derfelt's Baxter Chapel. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to SEK Humane Society or the Ronald McDonald House in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.