Wilberetta P. Gibbs

It is with deep sadness that the family of Wilberetta P. Gibbs announce her passing on June 14, 2023.  Willy, as she was known to her family and friends, was the wife of the late Harlan W. Gibbs to whom she had been married for 59 years.  She was the mother of Michael Gibbs and daughter-in-law Karen of Red Lion, and David Gibbs of Stewartstown.  She was preceded in death by her son, Thomas Gibbs.

Willy was born on January 11, 1930 to the late Wilbur and Grace Arndt.  She grew up in the Shiloh area north of York, was a member of the William Penn Senior High School class of 1948.  She married Harlan on July 3, 1949 and spent the remaining years of her life raising a family and building a life in Stewartstown.  During those years she worked as a loom operator for the Century Ribbon Mill and as a seamstress in the local sewing factory.  The bulk of her working career however was as assistant manager of the accounts payable department at McCrory Corporation.

Willy served the Stewartstown community as a member of the borough council for 16 years (12 as President) and as a member of the borough planning commission.  Prior to that she had amassed 25 years of service to the Boy Scouts of America as Den Mother and Commissioner.  She was a 30-year life member of the Eureka Volunteer Fire Company Ladies. Auxiliary.

A member of Stewartstown United Methodist Church, Willy spent many years teaching children’s Sunday School classes. She was active in various church women’s groups including United Methodist Women and Dorcas Ministry.  Willy was very involved in the Stewartstown Senior Center both as a member and as president of the Board of Directors.

In addition to her sons and daughter-in-law, Willy leaves to cherish her memory grandchildren Amy Davis, Beth Gibbs, Nicholas Gibbs, and Thomas Gibbs, Jr., great-grandchildren Katherine Davis, Sarah Davis, Leo Davis, and Brayden Gibbs, a sister, Bonnie Slagle (Larry), and a brother, Gerald Arndt.  She was preceded in death by sisters Patricia Shull and Shirley Pilkerton and brothers Eugene Arndt and Franklyn Arndt. Also mourning her passing are nieces Karen Ryer, Sharon Shultz, Karen McMaster, Beverly Fillmore, and Michele Barshinger, and nephews Greg Sweitzer, Steve Slagle, and Michael Slagel.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc., New Freedom, PA.  There will be a public viewing on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 22, 2023 from 9:00-10:00 a.m.  at Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc., 19 S. Main St. Stewartstown, PA 17363.  A Funeral Service will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc.  In lieu of flowers, Willy requested that memorial contributions be made to Habitat for Humanity, United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), the Stewartstown United Methodist Memorial Fund, or a charity of one’s choosing.