|
|
Elizabeth (Libby) Gunn, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on June 29, 2011, at the age of 90. Elizabeth, was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on May 11, 1921 to Longus Veron Hinson Sr. and Nettia Catherine Elkins Hinson. She was one of fourteen brothers and sisters. Libby grew up on the family farm in the home that her father built for them. She always had interesting and fun stories of her experiences with her brothers and sisters while living there. Libby attended schools in the Little Rock area until she had to go to work to help support the family.
Libby was a natural seamstress and often made and repaired clothes for her brothers and sisters. As a young lady, her talents as a seamstress caught the eye of a business woman in Little Rock and Libby was asked if she would like a job. The job was working for Jumps Cleaners in downtown Little Rock. While working there she learned from Mrs. Jump how to make alterations on everything from furs to soldier's uniforms. One day, a young soldier named Marian brought his laundry in and Libby caught his eye. Marian and Libby were married on July 19, 1942. Marian and Libby lived in various locations until the end of World War II.
After Marian was discharged from the Army, he and Libby headed westward. Along the way, Libby worked for Beech Aircraft in Witchita, Kansas. While there, she traded her fountain pens in for diaper pins as she and Marian adopted a little baby girl named Nita. Next, Marian and Libby adopted a baby boy named Chris and continued westward finally settling in Washington State where they lived in the towns of Pasco, Olympia, Yakima and finally Zillah. While living in Pasco, Chris was diagnosed with Burkitt's Lymphoma and at the age of six lost his battle with leukemia. In 1965, Marian and Libby settled in Zillah and in 1969 they adopted Ned.
Libby was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, homemaker and friend. More importantly, Libby was a devoted Christian. To her, Christianity was not a "religion" but a "relationship with Jesus Christ". She loved the Lord and served Him with all that she had. Throughout the years, she was a devoted Sunday School teacher of all ages, especially youth and young adults. At Christmas, she would still receive cards from past students that were in her classes 50 + years earlier! Some people will be in Heaven because of Libby's willingness to share about the love of Christ. At the time of her death, Libby, was a member of Zillah First Baptist Church in Zillah, Washington.
Libby is survived by her son, Ned Gunn of Zillah, Washington; her daughter, Nita Young of Union Gap, Washington; three grandchildren, Chad, Nicholas and April Choate of Yakima, Washington; five great grandchildren; one brother, Thomas Hinson of Rogers, Arkansas; three sisters, Hilda Haney of Burlington, Kentucky; Louise Ritter of Pomona, California; Nettia Hale of El Dorado, Arkansas.
Libby was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Marian Gunn; one son, Chris Gunn; her parents, eight brothers and one sister.
Libby was a rare and precious jewel. She was a friend to all and always put the needs of others before her own. She will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 2, at the First Baptist church in Zillah with funeral services beginning at 1:00 p.m. burial will follow immediately at the Zillah City Cemetery. Valley Hills Funeral Home in Zillah is in care of the arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.valleyhillsfh.com
|
|
|
|
I am so sorry. I cannot imagine your pain at this time. Aunt Libby was indeed a rare jewel! Much love,
Jean Hale-Davis
|
|
|
|
Dear Ned & Nita: You have done a great job with Libby's obituary. We wish we could be there, and will be praying for you and the Service on Saturday. You are so correct in saying that Libby viewed Christianity, not as a religion, but as a relationship with her Lord, Jesus Christ. We are sending a memorial to your Church in Zillah. We love you and thank you for all you have done for Libby in these sun-set years of her life.
Jo & Tommy Hinson.
|
|
|
|
Nita and Ned. Sorry we could not be there for the funeral. Aunt Libby was one of the all time best and I loved her dearly. She will always be one of my fondest memories and we all know where she is today and she deserves being there with Uncle Marion and her brothers and sisters who she loved. If there is anything we can do for you, please let us know.
Wayne and Carol Hinson
|
|
|
|
|
