Sarah Gibbs of Gays Mills, age 76, died at home the evening of Tuesday, August 25, 2020. Sarah was born to Walter and Charlotte Hitzemann on August 16, 1944 in Chicago Illinois.

Sarah graduated from Downers Grove High School and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from Iowa State, with a special emphasis on modern dance. She taught high school physical education for 3 years in California. She was a cheerleader throughout junior high, high school and college, 10 years of cheering others on, supporting them. And that trait persisted for the rest of her life.

Sarah was united in marriage to John Gibbs in 1968 and they raised 2 children, David Gibbs of Gays Mills and Rachel Sol of Ashland, Oregon.

She is survived by her husband; her children; son-in-law, Erik; a grandson, Bodhi Sol of Ashland, Oregon; and a brother, Chuck, of Virginia.

Sarah was a creative and multi-talented woman. She was a wonderful mother to her children and a fine wife and partner to John. She remodeled and decorated several homes as the family grew. Many people remember her as a skilled keyboardist, she played organ and piano for church services, school and community events. Sarah was a whiz at Sudoku and did crosswords in ink.

Sarah pursued many artistic interests in her life: spinning and dying wool, weaving, beading, and playing the harp. She was a caring, curious and well-informed person about the world around her. Sarah treasured and appreciated the natural world and valued every living creature. Sarah was a great listener, she made you feel heard and important. Sarah Gibbs was a bright light in this world and will be greatly missed.