Carolyn (Ash) Gibbons

Carolyn (Ash) Gibbons, 82, passed away peacefully on August 27th, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 2, 1943, in Murphy, North Carolina, to Harry and Ruth Ash. The family invites all who knew and loved Carolyn to a Celebration of Life on Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 1 to 3 pm at Rolling Hills Golf Club in Godfrey, IL. Together we will share memories and honor a life well lived. Carolyn dedicated much of her life to caring for others, working as a surgical nurse at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Alton. Her compassion, steady presence, and professionalism left a lasting impact on her patients and colleagues alike. Beyond her career, Carolyn lived with energy and joy. She loved the game of tennis and spent countless hours on the courts, forming lifelong friendships along the way. For her, the game was as much about community as competition, and her circle of friends became like family. We thank God for giving us eighty-two years with our mom. Family was Carolyn's greatest pride and joy. Through her, we witnessed what it truly means to put family first. She made sure we always knew we were loved. She was a patient, loving, and deeply involved grandmother-the mom and grandma who always showed up with a warm hug, a listening ear, and something good on the stove. She also loved family vacations—full of fun, laughter, and adventure. Whether it was exploring new places or jumping on the wildest roller coaster, Carolyn was always up for the ride. She never missed a moment in her grandchildren’s lives—hockey games, baseball tournaments, volleyball matches, or musicals—you could count on Grandma to be in the stands, smiling with pride and cheering them on. She and Grandpa delighted in hosting overnight stays, even on school nights, where laughter filled the house and her famous fried chicken and chocolate pie were always on the menu. Even as Alzheimer’s slowly took her memory, Carolyn’s light shone through in smiles, laughter, and her loving outlook. Our family is profoundly grateful to the friends and relatives who visited her, took her on outings, and brought joy into her days. To her tennis and golf league friends, we appreciate your compassion in including her as long as you did. And to the staff at Stillwater Senior Living, your care, kindness, and love was priceless. You became our extended family, and for that we are forever thankful. And of course, thank you for the toast and jelly! She was preceded in death by her husband, William (Bill) Gibbons; her parents, Harry and Ruth Ash; her brothers, Edward and Gerald Walker and Stanley Ash. She is survived by her children, Kimberly (Brad) Haug and Scott (Sara) Gibbons; her stepchildren, David (Susan) Gibbons and Deborah Ross; her five grandchildren, Brennan and Brayden Haug, Kailin (Bryan) Hudson, Ben and Sam Gibbons; her sisters-in-law, Mary (Dave) Eckhouse, Patricia Gibbons, and Charlene Walker; her treasured niece Jenny Tullier; and many more cousins, nieces, and nephews who loved her dearly. Carolyn will be remembered for her kindness, her strength, and the love she so freely gave to family and friends. We take comfort in knowing she is now at peace, free from pain and confusion, and held in God’s embrace. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to fund Alzheimer’s research at www.brightfocus.com. Gent Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Additional information and online guestbook may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

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Carolyn (Ash) Gibbons

July 2, 1943 - August 27, 2025