Deborah Alice Gibson

RICHMOND, In - With joyous hearts, the family of Deborah Alice “Debbie” (Schmidt) Gibson announces that our mother has received life’s ultimate reward and went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday December 7, 2023. A lifelong resident of Richmond, Debbie was born on March 14, 1949, to William and Marie (Whaley) Schmidt. With brothers Gary and Ron, she enjoyed a loving and often mischievous childhood. After graduating from Richmond High School in 1967, she went on to nursing school and found her true calling in life. She lovingly served many families in Richmond as a nurse for 47 years. Through mutual friends, she met her one true love, Garry Wayne Gibson, whom she married on January 10, 1970. Together, they proved to be the greatest parents her children could ever hope for and role models for all to look up to. Debbie found joy in everything she did. She loved long car rides, bird watching, football, lunches at the reservoir and all things Purdue. Her door was always open, and her heart always full of love for everyone she knew. She spent many hours cooking, baking, and teaching the rest of us how to TRY and do both half as well as she did. But nothing gave Debbie more joy than her three grandchildren, and she blessed them all with their own amazing memories of her. Debbie was preceded in death by her husband of 22 years, Garry Gibson; her parents, Bill and Marie Schmidt; brother Ron Schmidt; in-laws Wayne and Jewel Gibson; and her dear friend Suzie Jones. She is survived by so many people who love her: son Bill (Christina) Gibson of Niles, MI; daughter Sarah Gibson of Brownsburg, IN; daughter Anne (Mick) Kender of Brownsburg, IN; grandson Billy Gibson of Niles, MI; granddaughter Lizzy Gibson of Niles, MI; granddaughter Violet Kender of Brownsburg, IN; brother Gary Schmidt of Fremont, IN; mother-in-law Bonnie Gibson of Richmond; many cousins, nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind the best group of friends anyone could ask for; especially Donna Leitner, Dee Hemmelgarn, Carol Kalsbeek, and Andrea Dudas. Additionally, Debbie was a beloved “Second Mom” to many… too many people to list, but you all know who you are. The family wishes to thank Dr. Mahendra Kalra, Dr. John McGinty, Dr. Xinqiang Han, and the people at Philips Drugs East for their wonderful care of Debbie over the years. Mom, we love you more than words can express. Give our love to Dad, and Merry Christmas to you both. We are so happy that you are together once again, and we’re blessed to call you Mom, Grandma and Grammy. Visitation for Deborah Gibson will be from 3:00 pm to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 14, 2023, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Additional visitation will be 12:00 p. m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 15, 2023, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond, IN with funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Karen Koelsch officiating. Burial will be in Earlham Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Deborah Alice Gibson

March 14, 1949 - December 7, 2023