Karen Gibson

Karen Gibson, 75, of Sutherland, Nebraska, formerly of Wallace, Neb., passed away Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018, at the Sutherland Care Center.

Karen was born March 21, 1943, in Omaha, and was adopted by Ben and Mamie (Lashley) Merrill in 1949. They lived in Hayes Center, Neb.

In 1954 the family moved to Mt. Grove, Missouri. After a few years and a drought, they moved to Grainton, Neb. 

Karen attended Wallace High School and graduated in 1961 and went on to college at Kearney State. Later, she taught at a country school near her home north of Wallace. 

On Feb. 3, 1963, Karen married her high school sweetheart Larry Gibson and raised three children. They lived on a ranch south of Wallace. Karen worked for the Wallace Grain Elevator and helped her husband on their Hereford Ranch. Karen enjoyed painting, sewing and growing flowers. She was a member of Christian Women’s Club, Nebraska Hereford Auxillary, and Pinochle Club. She was active in her church and played organ/piano for many years at Faith Lutheran Church in Wallace. 

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Mamie Merrill; three brothers, Jerry Merrill, Ronnie Wickwire, Arthur Wickwire; and one sister, Sandy Otto.

Karen is survived by her husband, Larry; daughter, Tammy (Mike) Hollibaugh of Oberlin, Kan.; two sons, Jerry (Linda) Gibson of North Platte and Brian Gibson of Grand Island; sister, Deb (Rick) Zastera; and three brothers, Larry (Cindy) Kelly, Gayle (Marilyn) Kelly, and Terry Kelly; and 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

A memorial has been established in her memory for later designation by the family. Condolences can be shared online at bullocklongfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services will be Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. CT at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in North Platte, with Pastor Bob Deardoff officiating. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. in the Morning View Cemetery south of Wallace.

Visitation will be Wednesday, Dec. 12 from 4-8 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant, is in charge of arrangements.