Dorthy A. Gibbs

Dorthy (Prohaska) Gibbs, 94 years of age, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2024 at Spring Arbor Assisted Living.  She was born on September 14, 1929 in Horton Bay, Michigan.  She attended the Horton Bay Rural one room schoolhouse, Boyne City High School and graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree from Central Michigan College.  On June 6, 1953 she married Leslie W. Gibbs.

Left with treasured memories are her sons, David (Phillip Campbell) of East Point, GA, Stan (Suzanne) of Spring Arbor, MI, daughters, Suanne (Frank) Cali of Brockport, NY and Karyl (Scott) Rhodes of Concord, MI.  Surviving grandchildren include Shelby (David) Knack, Travis (Lindsey) Rhodes, Jessica (Jake) Wood, and Hannah Gibbs; Great-grandchildren, Kollin, Karter, Kaitlynn Knack and Renay Rhodes. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Leslie, her parents Carl and Beatrix (Swoboda) Prohaska, step-mother Frieda (Heldner) Prohaska and her sisters Betty (Mel) Somerville, Ruth (Ed) Chamberlain and Jean (Arnie) Fritz. 

Dorthy taught Home Economics at Northwest High School and at Jackson High School. She also taught in the Adult Education evening classes.  She assisted her husband with his ministry at Sandstone Congregational Church and was a long-time member.  Many children grew up knowing “Aunt Dot.”   She was active in the Dorcas Society, the Quilt Club and community dinners.  She found great pleasure in perfecting the process that would let her create numerous pies for fund-raising events. She leaves behind so many cherished friends.

In retirement she became an avid quilter.  All of her children and grandchildren have benefitted from her prodigious output.  Les and Dorthy were both strong supporters of the Parma-Spring Arbor Lions Club.  She was an avid gardener, growing, canning and freezing produce for her growing family and enjoying the seasons as different flowers bloomed in her yard.  Dorthy volunteered at the Falling Waters native plants garden.  

A Celebration of her life will be held at Sandstone Congregational Church, 710 S. Sandstone Rd.  Jackson, Michigan, on Saturday, April 20th, with visitation from 11:30-12 and service from 12-1:00 the Rev. Brad Smith officiating. Private interment will follow at the Spring Arbor Township Cemetery. 

A special thank you goes out from our family to the wonderful care-givers at Spring Arbor Assisted Living and Gentiva Hospice. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Sandstone Congregational Church.  

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