Agnes Cecilia Gibson

Agnes Cecilia (Nalevanko) Gibson, age 81 of Albia, died Wednesday, December 14, 2011 under the care of Hospice of Monroe County while at Monroe Care Center in Albia. Agnes was born December 18, 1929 in Lovilia, IA to Elizabeth and Andrew Nalevanko; the youngest of 12 children. She married Robert William Gibson on July 18, 1947 in Rock Island, IL. They were blessed with two daughters, Vicki and Helen. Agnes grew up and attended grade school in Lovilia and later attended high school in Albia. Spending most of their life on a farm, Agnes shared in the trials and tribulations of farming while tending to the huge task of canning and freezing the bounty of her garden. Her diaries record how many pints and quarts of each produce she worked with each year. The most requested and coveted food we all heaped on our plates at family meals was Grandma's sweet corn that she had frozen at harvest. Agnes also enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, and crafts. After raising their daughters in Marion County, IA, Robert and Agnes returned to the Albia area to make their home. Agnes then worked outside of the home at the Blue Bird Café, Trophy Glove Factory, Malco, and retired from the Chicago Rivet and Machine Company in 1993 after 17 years of service there. Agnes is survived by her husband of 64 years, Robert; 2 daughters, Vicki (Cliff) Avon of Milan, IL and Helen (Denny) Smith of Indianola, IA ; 4 granddaughters, Amy (Scott) Bredar of Eldridge, IA, Megan (Tom) Cox of Bettendorf, IA, Suzanne (Chris) Bauer of Indianola, IA, and Carmen (Kevin) Kelderman of New Sharon, IA; 10 great grandchildren, Cael, Carley, and Cadey Bredar, Jacob and Carter Cox, Amanda and Mitchell Bauer, Jensen, Ty, and Jack Kelderman; and 2 sisters, Helen Mankoski of East Moline, IL and Anne Crosson of Lakewood, CA. Agnes is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Agnes was preceded in death by her parents, Elizabeth and Andrew Nalevanko; 7 brothers, George in infancy, Andrew, Albert, Paul, Frank, Joe, and Henry; 2 sisters, Elizabeth Budhazy and Sister Margaret Mary Nalevanko; and a grandson, Jeffrey Robert Avon. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, December 16, 2011 at Tharp-Winfield Funeral Home, with Pastor Richard Grimes officiating. A private family burial will be held at a later date. Due to Agnes's wishes, she will be cremated and no public visitation is planned. Memorials have been established to Hospice of Monroe County. Condolences may be left for the family at www.tharpfh.com.

Agnes Cecilia Gibson

December 18, 1929 - December 14, 2011