Gibbs suddenly passed away on January 22, 2014. She is survived by her son, Dillen. The circumstances are unknown at this time, but she was tremendously loved and will be missed by many.
We hung out a couple times in high school but I got to know you more on Facebook. Also visited with you at our 30th class reunion. Heaven got a real special angel even though there are many here you left behind that have broken hearts. Many will join you in Heaven when our times come. Love ya Lady, RIP my friend..Glenda Smith Dixon
Kris, In just a few months you will have been gone for two years. I still cannot believe you are no longer here with us and think of you often. My memories of you go back to first grade. You were a great friend. Will always miss you.
Kris was one of my best friends from two years of Kindergarten (starting on Kiddie Kampus) and all through elementary school at Washington. I shared many memories of birthday parties, school activities, getting together with our little group to sing songs and work out school music productions, too. She'd always play piano for the school assemblies and choir concerts, and I'd play guitar (still playing). And I remember chasing her and Jaqui Jacobs up the stairs from the playground one recess, tripping, hitting my head on the door, and having to go to the doctor to get stitches ... not one of my more graceful moves!
Of course, her mom and dad were always in the picture - Coach Noahr, my favorite coach, always there working with us on all sports, and her mom, also working at the school and always being the sweetest face you'd see all day at school. In 5th grade, we were both on Student Council - she Secretary and I Treasurer - and we were both in Leo's 5th grade homeroom class. And then when I was School President in 6th grade, she was Vice President. We did a lot of Student Council projects with Mr. Weatherford, the Principal, and we stayed friends all through high school.
We shared some life-changing events together: I sang at her first wedding, and then we sang together at Jaci Marier's wedding - with it being such a happy occation for Jaci's wedding - but also so sad, because Jaci's Maid of Honor, Kathy Matocha, had just died driving to the rehearsal dinner (I believe) - which was a huge loss for all of us.
We ran into each other a few times over the years after high school, and I spoke to her a few times in past years, but unfortunately, I was never able to see her to spend time with her in recent years. I know she had a good life and was blessed with many people who loved her. I was also shocked and terribly saddened to hear about her passing so young - and under such strange and unforseen circumstances.
My memories of her will always be sweet and full of laughter, and although we didn't get the chance to speak much in recent years, I always felt that she remained a true friend to me. There is a hole in my heart for you, Kris - but I will hold on to those wonderful memories growing up with you, and your parents, for ever.
As a fellow Washington Elementary School Whirlwind with the likes of Todd Gang, Jerry Thompson, Andrea Moen, Jackie Jacobs, Collette Coggins, Zena Pittock and many more. Very fortunate to have been around such wonderful people in those formative years. Very well written Todd - We all looked to Kris for her energy and wonderful spirit. We miss you Kris. Go Whirlwinds !
Thanks Kenny. And you reminded me: it was that very group you mentioned that sat around and came up with the name "Whirlwinds"! I remember us trying to come up with a slogan for Washington for our school and teams. The "Black Tornados" were the Champs - and what we aspired for. We were the future "little" Tornados. So, what's a little tornado that starts with "W" for Washington? "Whirlwind"! Thanks Kenny, for reminding me of that memory with you, Jerry, Kris, Zena, Collette, Jackie, Sherri, and the whole crew - and Coach Noahr was right there with us the whole way! Definitely the best years of my young life. I'll never forget them, or you guys! Go Class of '79 Whirlwinds !!
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Glenda Smith (Dixon)
Kris,
We hung out a couple times in high school but I got to know you more on Facebook. Also visited with you at our 30th class reunion. Heaven got a real special angel even though there are many here you left behind that have broken hearts. Many will join you in Heaven when our times come. Love ya Lady, RIP my friend..Glenda Smith Dixon
Zena Pittock (Perry)
Kris, In just a few months you will have been gone for two years. I still cannot believe you are no longer here with us and think of you often. My memories of you go back to first grade. You were a great friend. Will always miss you.
Todd Gang
Kris was one of my best friends from two years of Kindergarten (starting on Kiddie Kampus) and all through elementary school at Washington. I shared many memories of birthday parties, school activities, getting together with our little group to sing songs and work out school music productions, too. She'd always play piano for the school assemblies and choir concerts, and I'd play guitar (still playing). And I remember chasing her and Jaqui Jacobs up the stairs from the playground one recess, tripping, hitting my head on the door, and having to go to the doctor to get stitches ... not one of my more graceful moves!
Of course, her mom and dad were always in the picture - Coach Noahr, my favorite coach, always there working with us on all sports, and her mom, also working at the school and always being the sweetest face you'd see all day at school. In 5th grade, we were both on Student Council - she Secretary and I Treasurer - and we were both in Leo's 5th grade homeroom class. And then when I was School President in 6th grade, she was Vice President. We did a lot of Student Council projects with Mr. Weatherford, the Principal, and we stayed friends all through high school.
We shared some life-changing events together: I sang at her first wedding, and then we sang together at Jaci Marier's wedding - with it being such a happy occation for Jaci's wedding - but also so sad, because Jaci's Maid of Honor, Kathy Matocha, had just died driving to the rehearsal dinner (I believe) - which was a huge loss for all of us.
We ran into each other a few times over the years after high school, and I spoke to her a few times in past years, but unfortunately, I was never able to see her to spend time with her in recent years. I know she had a good life and was blessed with many people who loved her. I was also shocked and terribly saddened to hear about her passing so young - and under such strange and unforseen circumstances.
My memories of her will always be sweet and full of laughter, and although we didn't get the chance to speak much in recent years, I always felt that she remained a true friend to me. There is a hole in my heart for you, Kris - but I will hold on to those wonderful memories growing up with you, and your parents, for ever.
Love you,
Todd Gang
Kenny White (White)
As a fellow Washington Elementary School Whirlwind with the likes of Todd Gang, Jerry Thompson, Andrea Moen, Jackie Jacobs, Collette Coggins, Zena Pittock and many more. Very fortunate to have been around such wonderful people in those formative years. Very well written Todd - We all looked to Kris for her energy and wonderful spirit. We miss you Kris. Go Whirlwinds !
Todd Gang
Thanks Kenny. And you reminded me: it was that very group you mentioned that sat around and came up with the name "Whirlwinds"! I remember us trying to come up with a slogan for Washington for our school and teams. The "Black Tornados" were the Champs - and what we aspired for. We were the future "little" Tornados. So, what's a little tornado that starts with "W" for Washington? "Whirlwind"! Thanks Kenny, for reminding me of that memory with you, Jerry, Kris, Zena, Collette, Jackie, Sherri, and the whole crew - and Coach Noahr was right there with us the whole way! Definitely the best years of my young life. I'll never forget them, or you guys! Go Class of '79 Whirlwinds !!