Arva Gae Curtis Gibbons was born at 3:45 a.m. on Wednesday, May 25, 1927 in Aurora to Ruel Curtis and Mary Zola Harward. For unknown reasons, the name field on her birth certificate was left blank. This remained so until May 20, 1996, when Grandma filed an affadavit to amend the record to include her given name.
The fourth of eleven children, she grew up at 1020 South Denver Street (440 East) in the Liberty Wells neighborhood of Salt Lake City, 754 East Parker Lane (2855 South) in Millcreek, 3195 South Imperial Street (1700 East) in East Millcreek, 378 East Coatsville Avenue (1790 South) in Liberty Wells, and 2019 South 800 East in the Sugar House neighborhood of Salt Lake City. Grandma graduated from South High School, Class of 1945. She didn't get her driver's license until later in life. One day, her father asked her to pull the family car into the garage. She drove the car through to the other end and never drove until decades later! She got a job at the Naval Supply Depot in Clearfield. Grandma attended Brigham Young University, majoring in business. While living in Provo, she worked as a bookkeeper at the State Bank of Provo.
She served a mission to the Central Atlantic States, where she met her future husband, Normand Lee Gibbons. After completing their missions, Grandma returned to Utah and Grandpa was drafted by the U.S. Army. He trained at Fort Ord, California and was stationed in Europe until his honorable discharge in November of 1955. They continued to correspond while he served in the Army and, following his return to the United States, they were engaged and married on Friday, August 3, 1956 in the Salt Lake Temple. President John B. Hawkes, second counselor in the Salt Lake Temple presidency from 1956-1961, performed the ceremony.
After a honeymoon at Strawberry Reservoir, they returned to Provo. In June of 1957, they moved to Washington, D.C. to work for the Hot Shoppes Restaurant chain. While living on the East Coast, they resided in an apartment at 1427 South 28th Street in Arlington, Virginia. Alas, it wasn't meant to be. Before long, they returned to the Beehive State to finish their schooling at BYU. While living in Provo, they resided at 537 East 1430 North on the BYU campus. Following graduation, they moved to Salt Lake County. Settling in the small town of Magna, their first home was located at 3388 South Broadway Street (7700 West) in Magna's Lake Ridge neighborhood. In 1962, Grandma and Grandpa purchased land in Granger (now West Valley City) and began work on their dream home. In 1965, they moved into the house located at 4218 South 4205 West in the Fairlane Heights neighborhood of Granger. Grandma was blessed with five children and four grandchildren; she loved them dearly. She was very active in the PTA, serving as president.
Grandma was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had a strong and unwavering testimony of the gospel. She was raised in the Lincoln Ward, Salt Lake Granite Stake. While living in Magna, she was a member of the Lake Ridge Ward, Magna Utah Stake. While living in West Valley City, she belonged to the Jordan North Second Ward, Salt Lake Jordan North Stake. Grandma served diligently and faithfully in several callings, including Relief Society President and Counselor in the Jordan North Second Ward.
Grandma had many talents. She was an amazing cook! Grandma was known for her oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, divinity, fudge, spaghetti, and meatloaf with piquant sauce. Grandma was an organizational genius. Her record-keeping skills were unheard of, and she was entrusted with planning many family Christmas parties, family 4th of July breakfasts, family reunions, and monthly family dinners. Her siblings lovingly called her "Sergeant Gae."
Grandma loved celebrating every holiday that took place throughout the year and, despite poor health, continued to decorate the family home for Christmas every year until her death. She was an accomplished artist, leaving behind many beautiful paintings and other handmade mementos for her family to treasure. Grandma enjoyed gardening and always had the most beautiful roses in the neighborhood. Yellow roses were her favorite. She was a longtime subscriber to the Deseret News. She was also a member of the Fort Douglas-Hidden Valley Country Club.
Grandma was extremely passionate about genealogy. Following in the footsteps of her aunt, Ella Record, she spent a great deal of time chronicling the history of the Gibbons and Curtis families. At the time of her death, her scrapbooks numbered in the dozens, much to the surprise and joy of her family. Grandma was a big soap opera fan. She loved watching The Young and the Restless (her favorite), General Hospital, One Life to Live, and As the World Turns. She was also a fan of old movies and musicals. Her favorites were Shirley Temple movies, The Trip to Bountiful, An Affair to Remember, The Sound of Music, Wait Until Dark, and several others.
Grandma struggled with multiple health problems throughout her life, yet always remained active in family, church, and community affairs. On August 31, 1963, shortly after 9:00 p.m., Grandma, Grandpa, their three children, and a niece, Sandy, were traveling back to Magna when they were hit by a drunk driver in the intersection of 4800 West and 4100 South in Hunter. Grandma suffered scalp lacerations and a broken back. She never fully recovered from her back injury and was plagued with back problems for the rest of her life. She was diagnosed with bronchiectasis in 1968. She struggled with bronchial pneumonia off and on for most of her life. In her last years, she was plagued by arthritis, forcing her to give up painting, sewing, and scrapbook work.
On the morning of Monday, January 26, 1998, she suffered a fall at home and was taken by ambulance to Pioneer Valley Hospital in West Valley City. At her request, she was transferred to LDS Hospital in the Avenues neighborhood of Salt Lake City. On Tuesday, January 27, 1998, with her brother, Dale, at her side, she passed away peacefully of natural causes at 1:10 a.m. She was seventy years, eight months, and two days old.
She left to cherish her memory: her husband, Normand L. Gibbons, of West Valley City; her children, Gaston Gibbons of Havana, Florida; Mike Gibbons of Houston, Texas; Ron (Ann) Gibbons of Dallas, Texas; Christy (Dale) Curtis of West Valley City; and Robert (Tamara) Gibbons of West Jordan; her grandchildren, Ryan Curtis of West Valley City, Robert Gibbons, Jr. of West Jordan; and Parker and Macy Gibbons of Dallas; her brothers and sisters, Dale Curtis of Kearns, DeVon (Bertha) Curtis of Cottonwood Heights, Kent (Bonnie) Curtis of Taylorsville (serving an LDS mission in Houston at the time), Sara Flink of South Jordan, Rula (John) Flink of Ogden, and Barbara (Bill) Inkley of Magna; her brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Oris Black of Blanding, Dee (Ann) Bradshaw of South Jordan, Don Gibbons of Los Alamos, New Mexico; and Jessie Jane Brandenburg of Provo; and her beloved nieces and nephews, Darrell Black, Mary Gae (Todd) Sibley, Kaylene (Delbert) Mulvey, Oralee Black, Wayne Black, Steven Black, Kenda (Gary) Winn, Janet (Jerry) McWillis, Karen (Greg) Houskeeper, Sheryl (Randy) Broomhead, Larry Curtis, Sandy (Scott) Peterson, Stephen Curtis, Stuart Curtis, Sherman Curtis, Sara Andreason, Stephen (Cynthia) Flink, Richard (Karen) Flink, Glenn (JoAnn) Flink, David Flink, Marianne, Donald Flink, Alan Inkley, John Inkley, Kathy (Cory) Killpack, Dale Inkley, Linda Jensen, Tyler Bradshaw, and Kelli Bradshaw. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Ruel Wayne Curtis, sisters, Phyrl Black and Linda Bradshaw; in-laws, Jesse and Eleanor Gibbons; brother-in-law, Hank Flink; and sister-in-law, LaRue Gibbons.
Funeral services were held on Friday, January 30, 1998 at 10:00 a.m. in the Jordan North Second Ward Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 4270 South Falcon Street (4145 West) in West Valley City. Calling hours took place on Thursday, January 29, 1998 from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home located at 4330 South Redwood Road (1700 West) in Taylorsville, and prior to the services at the church on Friday from 9:00 until 9:45 a.m.
Following the conclusion of the funeral services, Grandma was laid to rest beside her parents in the Redwood Memorial Estates Cemetery located at 6500 South Redwood Road (1700 West) in Taylorsville.
Summary of funeral services:
Funeral services were held under the direction of Bishop Brent Yorgason.
The family prayer was offered by Brian Brandenburg.
The prelude and postlude music was offered by Colette Condie.
The invocation was offered by Patriarch Ned Winder.
Musical numbers performed included: "I Am a Child of God," which was performed by her grandson, Ryan D. Curtis, and her great-nieces and great-nephews, and accompanied by Sara Andreason; "How Great Thou Art," which was performed by Emily Taylor and accompanied by Lorie Hemsley; and a piano solo of "I Heard Him Come," which was performed by Nicole Flink.
Speakers included: Barbara Winder, Ronald N. Gibbons, and Michael Gibbons.
A poem entitled "The Afghan" was recited by Diana Boschetti. It was accompanied by LaDawn Bushnell on the flute and Lorie Hemsley on the piano.
The benediction was offered by President Richard Winder.
The grave was dedicated by Steven Flink.
Pallbearers included: Ronald N. Gibbons, Michael Gibbons, E. Gaston Gibbons, Donald Gibbons, Dale D. Curtis, N. DeVon Curtis, Dale H. Curtis, and Brian Brandenburg.
Honorary pallbearers included: Brody Eskelson, Parker Gibbons, Robert Gibbons, Sr., Robert Gibbons, Jr., Ryan D. Curtis, and J. Kent Curtis.
Her obituary, which was published in the Deseret News on January 28, 1998:
"Our sweet, beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Arva Gae Curtis Gibbons, passed away peacefully at 1:10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 1998.
"Born May 27, 1927 in Aurora, Utah, daughter of Ruel and Mary Zola Harward Curtis. Graduated from South High School in 1945 and then attended BYU.
"She served an LDS Mission in the Central Atlantic States. It was while serving her mission that she first met our Dad. After completing their missions and returning to Utah, they began a courtship, and later married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on August 3, 1956. Together they raised five children.
"Mom served diligently and faithfully in various callings in the LDS Church. Loved to cook, sew, paint, and do genealogy. Before arthritis and other debilitating illnesses made her unable to, mom did extensive genealogy, scrapbook work, and was an accomplished artist, leaving many beautiful paintings and other hand made momentos for us to treasure.
"Mom is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Normand L. Gibbons; children, E. Gaston Gibbons, Talahassee, FL., Michael Lee Gibbons, Houston, TX., Ronald Normand (Ann) Gibbons, Dallas, TX., Christy Gae (Dale) Curtis, Salt Lake City, Robert Curtis (Tamara) Gibbons, Salt Lake City. She was blessed with five beautiful grandchildren that she treasured. They brought her much joy and she was very proud of each of them. They are: Ryan Dale, Robert James Jr., Brody, Parker Jesse and Macy Lee; sisters, Sara Flink, Salt Lake City, Rula (John) Flink, Ogden, Barbara (Bill) Inkley, Magna; brothers, Dale H. Curtis, Kearns, Utah, and N. DeVon Curtis, Salt Lake City, J. Kent (Bonnie) Curtis, serving an LDS Mission in Houston, TX.; brothers-in-law, Oris Black, Blanding, UT., Dee (Ann) Bradshaw, South Jordan, Don Gibbons, Los Alamos, NM.; sister-in-law, Jesse Jane Brandenburg, Provo, UT; and many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly. Preceded in death by her parents; brother, Ruel Wayne Curtis; sisters, Mary Phyrl Black, and Linda Kaye Bradshaw.
"Special thanks to the doctors and nurses on 8th Floor West at LDS Hospital and Dr. Thompson and Dr. Dean for all the compassionate care given to our mom.
"Funeral services will be held Friday, 10 a.m., at the Jordan North 2nd Ward, 4270 South 4145 West, West Valley City. Friends may call Thursday, 5-8 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road and Friday at the church, 9-9:45 am. Interment, Redwood Memorial Estates.
"Gae, Rest in Peace."
The fourth of eleven children, she grew up at 1020 South Denver Street (440 East) in the Liberty Wells neighborhood of Salt Lake City, 754 East Parker Lane (2855 South) in Millcreek, 3195 South Imperial Street (1700 East) in East Millcreek, 378 East Coatsville Avenue (1790 South) in Liberty Wells, and 2019 South 800 East in the Sugar House neighborhood of Salt Lake City. Grandma graduated from South High School, Class of 1945. She didn't get her driver's license until later in life. One day, her father asked her to pull the family car into the garage. She drove the car through to the other end and never drove until decades later! She got a job at the Naval Supply Depot in Clearfield. Grandma attended Brigham Young University, majoring in business. While living in Provo, she worked as a bookkeeper at the State Bank of Provo.
She served a mission to the Central Atlantic States, where she met her future husband, Normand Lee Gibbons. After completing their missions, Grandma returned to Utah and Grandpa was drafted by the U.S. Army. He trained at Fort Ord, California and was stationed in Europe until his honorable discharge in November of 1955. They continued to correspond while he served in the Army and, following his return to the United States, they were engaged and married on Friday, August 3, 1956 in the Salt Lake Temple. President John B. Hawkes, second counselor in the Salt Lake Temple presidency from 1956-1961, performed the ceremony.
After a honeymoon at Strawberry Reservoir, they returned to Provo. In June of 1957, they moved to Washington, D.C. to work for the Hot Shoppes Restaurant chain. While living on the East Coast, they resided in an apartment at 1427 South 28th Street in Arlington, Virginia. Alas, it wasn't meant to be. Before long, they returned to the Beehive State to finish their schooling at BYU. While living in Provo, they resided at 537 East 1430 North on the BYU campus. Following graduation, they moved to Salt Lake County. Settling in the small town of Magna, their first home was located at 3388 South Broadway Street (7700 West) in Magna's Lake Ridge neighborhood. In 1962, Grandma and Grandpa purchased land in Granger (now West Valley City) and began work on their dream home. In 1965, they moved into the house located at 4218 South 4205 West in the Fairlane Heights neighborhood of Granger. Grandma was blessed with five children and four grandchildren; she loved them dearly. She was very active in the PTA, serving as president.
Grandma was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had a strong and unwavering testimony of the gospel. She was raised in the Lincoln Ward, Salt Lake Granite Stake. While living in Magna, she was a member of the Lake Ridge Ward, Magna Utah Stake. While living in West Valley City, she belonged to the Jordan North Second Ward, Salt Lake Jordan North Stake. Grandma served diligently and faithfully in several callings, including Relief Society President and Counselor in the Jordan North Second Ward.
Grandma had many talents. She was an amazing cook! Grandma was known for her oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, divinity, fudge, spaghetti, and meatloaf with piquant sauce. Grandma was an organizational genius. Her record-keeping skills were unheard of, and she was entrusted with planning many family Christmas parties, family 4th of July breakfasts, family reunions, and monthly family dinners. Her siblings lovingly called her "Sergeant Gae."
Grandma loved celebrating every holiday that took place throughout the year and, despite poor health, continued to decorate the family home for Christmas every year until her death. She was an accomplished artist, leaving behind many beautiful paintings and other handmade mementos for her family to treasure. Grandma enjoyed gardening and always had the most beautiful roses in the neighborhood. Yellow roses were her favorite. She was a longtime subscriber to the Deseret News. She was also a member of the Fort Douglas-Hidden Valley Country Club.
Grandma was extremely passionate about genealogy. Following in the footsteps of her aunt, Ella Record, she spent a great deal of time chronicling the history of the Gibbons and Curtis families. At the time of her death, her scrapbooks numbered in the dozens, much to the surprise and joy of her family. Grandma was a big soap opera fan. She loved watching The Young and the Restless (her favorite), General Hospital, One Life to Live, and As the World Turns. She was also a fan of old movies and musicals. Her favorites were Shirley Temple movies, The Trip to Bountiful, An Affair to Remember, The Sound of Music, Wait Until Dark, and several others.
Grandma struggled with multiple health problems throughout her life, yet always remained active in family, church, and community affairs. On August 31, 1963, shortly after 9:00 p.m., Grandma, Grandpa, their three children, and a niece, Sandy, were traveling back to Magna when they were hit by a drunk driver in the intersection of 4800 West and 4100 South in Hunter. Grandma suffered scalp lacerations and a broken back. She never fully recovered from her back injury and was plagued with back problems for the rest of her life. She was diagnosed with bronchiectasis in 1968. She struggled with bronchial pneumonia off and on for most of her life. In her last years, she was plagued by arthritis, forcing her to give up painting, sewing, and scrapbook work.
On the morning of Monday, January 26, 1998, she suffered a fall at home and was taken by ambulance to Pioneer Valley Hospital in West Valley City. At her request, she was transferred to LDS Hospital in the Avenues neighborhood of Salt Lake City. On Tuesday, January 27, 1998, with her brother, Dale, at her side, she passed away peacefully of natural causes at 1:10 a.m. She was seventy years, eight months, and two days old.
She left to cherish her memory: her husband, Normand L. Gibbons, of West Valley City; her children, Gaston Gibbons of Havana, Florida; Mike Gibbons of Houston, Texas; Ron (Ann) Gibbons of Dallas, Texas; Christy (Dale) Curtis of West Valley City; and Robert (Tamara) Gibbons of West Jordan; her grandchildren, Ryan Curtis of West Valley City, Robert Gibbons, Jr. of West Jordan; and Parker and Macy Gibbons of Dallas; her brothers and sisters, Dale Curtis of Kearns, DeVon (Bertha) Curtis of Cottonwood Heights, Kent (Bonnie) Curtis of Taylorsville (serving an LDS mission in Houston at the time), Sara Flink of South Jordan, Rula (John) Flink of Ogden, and Barbara (Bill) Inkley of Magna; her brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Oris Black of Blanding, Dee (Ann) Bradshaw of South Jordan, Don Gibbons of Los Alamos, New Mexico; and Jessie Jane Brandenburg of Provo; and her beloved nieces and nephews, Darrell Black, Mary Gae (Todd) Sibley, Kaylene (Delbert) Mulvey, Oralee Black, Wayne Black, Steven Black, Kenda (Gary) Winn, Janet (Jerry) McWillis, Karen (Greg) Houskeeper, Sheryl (Randy) Broomhead, Larry Curtis, Sandy (Scott) Peterson, Stephen Curtis, Stuart Curtis, Sherman Curtis, Sara Andreason, Stephen (Cynthia) Flink, Richard (Karen) Flink, Glenn (JoAnn) Flink, David Flink, Marianne, Donald Flink, Alan Inkley, John Inkley, Kathy (Cory) Killpack, Dale Inkley, Linda Jensen, Tyler Bradshaw, and Kelli Bradshaw. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Ruel Wayne Curtis, sisters, Phyrl Black and Linda Bradshaw; in-laws, Jesse and Eleanor Gibbons; brother-in-law, Hank Flink; and sister-in-law, LaRue Gibbons.
Funeral services were held on Friday, January 30, 1998 at 10:00 a.m. in the Jordan North Second Ward Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 4270 South Falcon Street (4145 West) in West Valley City. Calling hours took place on Thursday, January 29, 1998 from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home located at 4330 South Redwood Road (1700 West) in Taylorsville, and prior to the services at the church on Friday from 9:00 until 9:45 a.m.
Following the conclusion of the funeral services, Grandma was laid to rest beside her parents in the Redwood Memorial Estates Cemetery located at 6500 South Redwood Road (1700 West) in Taylorsville.
Summary of funeral services:
Funeral services were held under the direction of Bishop Brent Yorgason.
The family prayer was offered by Brian Brandenburg.
The prelude and postlude music was offered by Colette Condie.
The invocation was offered by Patriarch Ned Winder.
Musical numbers performed included: "I Am a Child of God," which was performed by her grandson, Ryan D. Curtis, and her great-nieces and great-nephews, and accompanied by Sara Andreason; "How Great Thou Art," which was performed by Emily Taylor and accompanied by Lorie Hemsley; and a piano solo of "I Heard Him Come," which was performed by Nicole Flink.
Speakers included: Barbara Winder, Ronald N. Gibbons, and Michael Gibbons.
A poem entitled "The Afghan" was recited by Diana Boschetti. It was accompanied by LaDawn Bushnell on the flute and Lorie Hemsley on the piano.
The benediction was offered by President Richard Winder.
The grave was dedicated by Steven Flink.
Pallbearers included: Ronald N. Gibbons, Michael Gibbons, E. Gaston Gibbons, Donald Gibbons, Dale D. Curtis, N. DeVon Curtis, Dale H. Curtis, and Brian Brandenburg.
Honorary pallbearers included: Brody Eskelson, Parker Gibbons, Robert Gibbons, Sr., Robert Gibbons, Jr., Ryan D. Curtis, and J. Kent Curtis.
Her obituary, which was published in the Deseret News on January 28, 1998:
"Our sweet, beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Arva Gae Curtis Gibbons, passed away peacefully at 1:10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 1998.
"Born May 27, 1927 in Aurora, Utah, daughter of Ruel and Mary Zola Harward Curtis. Graduated from South High School in 1945 and then attended BYU.
"She served an LDS Mission in the Central Atlantic States. It was while serving her mission that she first met our Dad. After completing their missions and returning to Utah, they began a courtship, and later married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on August 3, 1956. Together they raised five children.
"Mom served diligently and faithfully in various callings in the LDS Church. Loved to cook, sew, paint, and do genealogy. Before arthritis and other debilitating illnesses made her unable to, mom did extensive genealogy, scrapbook work, and was an accomplished artist, leaving many beautiful paintings and other hand made momentos for us to treasure.
"Mom is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Normand L. Gibbons; children, E. Gaston Gibbons, Talahassee, FL., Michael Lee Gibbons, Houston, TX., Ronald Normand (Ann) Gibbons, Dallas, TX., Christy Gae (Dale) Curtis, Salt Lake City, Robert Curtis (Tamara) Gibbons, Salt Lake City. She was blessed with five beautiful grandchildren that she treasured. They brought her much joy and she was very proud of each of them. They are: Ryan Dale, Robert James Jr., Brody, Parker Jesse and Macy Lee; sisters, Sara Flink, Salt Lake City, Rula (John) Flink, Ogden, Barbara (Bill) Inkley, Magna; brothers, Dale H. Curtis, Kearns, Utah, and N. DeVon Curtis, Salt Lake City, J. Kent (Bonnie) Curtis, serving an LDS Mission in Houston, TX.; brothers-in-law, Oris Black, Blanding, UT., Dee (Ann) Bradshaw, South Jordan, Don Gibbons, Los Alamos, NM.; sister-in-law, Jesse Jane Brandenburg, Provo, UT; and many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly. Preceded in death by her parents; brother, Ruel Wayne Curtis; sisters, Mary Phyrl Black, and Linda Kaye Bradshaw.
"Special thanks to the doctors and nurses on 8th Floor West at LDS Hospital and Dr. Thompson and Dr. Dean for all the compassionate care given to our mom.
"Funeral services will be held Friday, 10 a.m., at the Jordan North 2nd Ward, 4270 South 4145 West, West Valley City. Friends may call Thursday, 5-8 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road and Friday at the church, 9-9:45 am. Interment, Redwood Memorial Estates.
"Gae, Rest in Peace."
Arva Gae Curtis Gibbons was born at 3:45 a.m. on Wednesday, May 25, 1927 in Aurora to Ruel Curtis and Mary Zola Harward. For unknown reasons, the name field on her birth certificate was left blank. This remained so until May 20, 1996, when Grandma filed an affadavit to amend the record to include her given name.
The fourth of eleven children, she grew up at 1020 South Denver Street (440 East) in the Liberty Wells neighborhood of Salt Lake City, 754 East Parker Lane (2855 South) in Millcreek, 3195 South Imperial Street (1700 East) in East Millcreek, 378 East Coatsville Avenue (1790 South) in Liberty Wells, and 2019 South 800 East in the Sugar House neighborhood of Salt Lake City. Grandma graduated from South High School, Class of 1945. She didn't get her driver's license until later in life. One day, her father asked her to pull the family car into the garage. She drove the car through to the other end and never drove until decades later! She got a job at the Naval Supply Depot in Clearfield. Grandma attended Brigham Young University, majoring in business. While living in Provo, she worked as a bookkeeper at the State Bank of Provo.
She served a mission to the Central Atlantic States, where she met her future husband, Normand Lee Gibbons. After completing their missions, Grandma returned to Utah and Grandpa was drafted by the U.S. Army. He trained at Fort Ord, California and was stationed in Europe until his honorable discharge in November of 1955. They continued to correspond while he served in the Army and, following his return to the United States, they were engaged and married on Friday, August 3, 1956 in the Salt Lake Temple. President John B. Hawkes, second counselor in the Salt Lake Temple presidency from 1956-1961, performed the ceremony.
After a honeymoon at Strawberry Reservoir, they returned to Provo. In June of 1957, they moved to Washington, D.C. to work for the Hot Shoppes Restaurant chain. While living on the East Coast, they resided in an apartment at 1427 South 28th Street in Arlington, Virginia. Alas, it wasn't meant to be. Before long, they returned to the Beehive State to finish their schooling at BYU. While living in Provo, they resided at 537 East 1430 North on the BYU campus. Following graduation, they moved to Salt Lake County. Settling in the small town of Magna, their first home was located at 3388 South Broadway Street (7700 West) in Magna's Lake Ridge neighborhood. In 1962, Grandma and Grandpa purchased land in Granger (now West Valley City) and began work on their dream home. In 1965, they moved into the house located at 4218 South 4205 West in the Fairlane Heights neighborhood of Granger. Grandma was blessed with five children and four grandchildren; she loved them dearly. She was very active in the PTA, serving as president.
Grandma was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had a strong and unwavering testimony of the gospel. She was raised in the Lincoln Ward, Salt Lake Granite Stake. While living in Magna, she was a member of the Lake Ridge Ward, Magna Utah Stake. While living in West Valley City, she belonged to the Jordan North Second Ward, Salt Lake Jordan North Stake. Grandma served diligently and faithfully in several callings, including Relief Society President and Counselor in the Jordan North Second Ward.
Grandma had many talents. She was an amazing cook! Grandma was known for her oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, divinity, fudge, spaghetti, and meatloaf with piquant sauce. Grandma was an organizational genius. Her record-keeping skills were unheard of, and she was entrusted with planning many family Christmas parties, family 4th of July breakfasts, family reunions, and monthly family dinners. Her siblings lovingly called her "Sergeant Gae."
Grandma loved celebrating every holiday that took place throughout the year and, despite poor health, continued to decorate the family home for Christmas every year until her death. She was an accomplished artist, leaving behind many beautiful paintings and other handmade mementos for her family to treasure. Grandma enjoyed gardening and always had the most beautiful roses in the neighborhood. Yellow roses were her favorite. She was a longtime subscriber to the Deseret News. She was also a member of the Fort Douglas-Hidden Valley Country Club.
Grandma was extremely passionate about genealogy. Following in the footsteps of her aunt, Ella Record, she spent a great deal of time chronicling the history of the Gibbons and Curtis families. At the time of her death, her scrapbooks numbered in the dozens, much to the surprise and joy of her family. Grandma was a big soap opera fan. She loved watching The Young and the Restless (her favorite), General Hospital, One Life to Live, and As the World Turns. She was also a fan of old movies and musicals. Her favorites were Shirley Temple movies, The Trip to Bountiful, An Affair to Remember, The Sound of Music, Wait Until Dark, and several others.
Grandma struggled with multiple health problems throughout her life, yet always remained active in family, church, and community affairs. On August 31, 1963, shortly after 9:00 p.m., Grandma, Grandpa, their three children, and a niece, Sandy, were traveling back to Magna when they were hit by a drunk driver in the intersection of 4800 West and 4100 South in Hunter. Grandma suffered scalp lacerations and a broken back. She never fully recovered from her back injury and was plagued with back problems for the rest of her life. She was diagnosed with bronchiectasis in 1968. She struggled with bronchial pneumonia off and on for most of her life. In her last years, she was plagued by arthritis, forcing her to give up painting, sewing, and scrapbook work.
On the morning of Monday, January 26, 1998, she suffered a fall at home and was taken by ambulance to Pioneer Valley Hospital in West Valley City. At her request, she was transferred to LDS Hospital in the Avenues neighborhood of Salt Lake City. On Tuesday, January 27, 1998, with her brother, Dale, at her side, she passed away peacefully of natural causes at 1:10 a.m. She was seventy years, eight months, and two days old.
She left to cherish her memory: her husband, Normand L. Gibbons, of West Valley City; her children, Gaston Gibbons of Havana, Florida; Mike Gibbons of Houston, Texas; Ron (Ann) Gibbons of Dallas, Texas; Christy (Dale) Curtis of West Valley City; and Robert (Tamara) Gibbons of West Jordan; her grandchildren, Ryan Curtis of West Valley City, Robert Gibbons, Jr. of West Jordan; and Parker and Macy Gibbons of Dallas; her brothers and sisters, Dale Curtis of Kearns, DeVon (Bertha) Curtis of Cottonwood Heights, Kent (Bonnie) Curtis of Taylorsville (serving an LDS mission in Houston at the time), Sara Flink of South Jordan, Rula (John) Flink of Ogden, and Barbara (Bill) Inkley of Magna; her brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Oris Black of Blanding, Dee (Ann) Bradshaw of South Jordan, Don Gibbons of Los Alamos, New Mexico; and Jessie Jane Brandenburg of Provo; and her beloved nieces and nephews, Darrell Black, Mary Gae (Todd) Sibley, Kaylene (Delbert) Mulvey, Oralee Black, Wayne Black, Steven Black, Kenda (Gary) Winn, Janet (Jerry) McWillis, Karen (Greg) Houskeeper, Sheryl (Randy) Broomhead, Larry Curtis, Sandy (Scott) Peterson, Stephen Curtis, Stuart Curtis, Sherman Curtis, Sara Andreason, Stephen (Cynthia) Flink, Richard (Karen) Flink, Glenn (JoAnn) Flink, David Flink, Marianne, Donald Flink, Alan Inkley, John Inkley, Kathy (Cory) Killpack, Dale Inkley, Linda Jensen, Tyler Bradshaw, and Kelli Bradshaw. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Ruel Wayne Curtis, sisters, Phyrl Black and Linda Bradshaw; in-laws, Jesse and Eleanor Gibbons; brother-in-law, Hank Flink; and sister-in-law, LaRue Gibbons.
Funeral services were held on Friday, January 30, 1998 at 10:00 a.m. in the Jordan North Second Ward Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 4270 South Falcon Street (4145 West) in West Valley City. Calling hours took place on Thursday, January 29, 1998 from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home located at 4330 South Redwood Road (1700 West) in Taylorsville, and prior to the services at the church on Friday from 9:00 until 9:45 a.m.
Following the conclusion of the funeral services, Grandma was laid to rest beside her parents in the Redwood Memorial Estates Cemetery located at 6500 South Redwood Road (1700 West) in Taylorsville.
Summary of funeral services:
Funeral services were held under the direction of Bishop Brent Yorgason.
The family prayer was offered by Brian Brandenburg.
The prelude and postlude music was offered by Colette Condie.
The invocation was offered by Patriarch Ned Winder.
Musical numbers performed included: "I Am a Child of God," which was performed by her grandson, Ryan D. Curtis, and her great-nieces and great-nephews, and accompanied by Sara Andreason; "How Great Thou Art," which was performed by Emily Taylor and accompanied by Lorie Hemsley; and a piano solo of "I Heard Him Come," which was performed by Nicole Flink.
Speakers included: Barbara Winder, Ronald N. Gibbons, and Michael Gibbons.
A poem entitled "The Afghan" was recited by Diana Boschetti. It was accompanied by LaDawn Bushnell on the flute and Lorie Hemsley on the piano.
The benediction was offered by President Richard Winder.
The grave was dedicated by Steven Flink.
Pallbearers included: Ronald N. Gibbons, Michael Gibbons, E. Gaston Gibbons, Donald Gibbons, Dale D. Curtis, N. DeVon Curtis, Dale H. Curtis, and Brian Brandenburg.
Honorary pallbearers included: Brody Eskelson, Parker Gibbons, Robert Gibbons, Sr., Robert Gibbons, Jr., Ryan D. Curtis, and J. Kent Curtis.
Her obituary, which was published in the Deseret News on January 28, 1998:
"Our sweet, beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Arva Gae Curtis Gibbons, passed away peacefully at 1:10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 1998.
"Born May 27, 1927 in Aurora, Utah, daughter of Ruel and Mary Zola Harward Curtis. Graduated from South High School in 1945 and then attended BYU.
"She served an LDS Mission in the Central Atlantic States. It was while serving her mission that she first met our Dad. After completing their missions and returning to Utah, they began a courtship, and later married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on August 3, 1956. Together they raised five children.
"Mom served diligently and faithfully in various callings in the LDS Church. Loved to cook, sew, paint, and do genealogy. Before arthritis and other debilitating illnesses made her unable to, mom did extensive genealogy, scrapbook work, and was an accomplished artist, leaving many beautiful paintings and other hand made momentos for us to treasure.
"Mom is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Normand L. Gibbons; children, E. Gaston Gibbons, Talahassee, FL., Michael Lee Gibbons, Houston, TX., Ronald Normand (Ann) Gibbons, Dallas, TX., Christy Gae (Dale) Curtis, Salt Lake City, Robert Curtis (Tamara) Gibbons, Salt Lake City. She was blessed with five beautiful grandchildren that she treasured. They brought her much joy and she was very proud of each of them. They are: Ryan Dale, Robert James Jr., Brody, Parker Jesse and Macy Lee; sisters, Sara Flink, Salt Lake City, Rula (John) Flink, Ogden, Barbara (Bill) Inkley, Magna; brothers, Dale H. Curtis, Kearns, Utah, and N. DeVon Curtis, Salt Lake City, J. Kent (Bonnie) Curtis, serving an LDS Mission in Houston, TX.; brothers-in-law, Oris Black, Blanding, UT., Dee (Ann) Bradshaw, South Jordan, Don Gibbons, Los Alamos, NM.; sister-in-law, Jesse Jane Brandenburg, Provo, UT; and many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly. Preceded in death by her parents; brother, Ruel Wayne Curtis; sisters, Mary Phyrl Black, and Linda Kaye Bradshaw.
"Special thanks to the doctors and nurses on 8th Floor West at LDS Hospital and Dr. Thompson and Dr. Dean for all the compassionate care given to our mom.
"Funeral services will be held Friday, 10 a.m., at the Jordan North 2nd Ward, 4270 South 4145 West, West Valley City. Friends may call Thursday, 5-8 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road and Friday at the church, 9-9:45 am. Interment, Redwood Memorial Estates.
"Gae, Rest in Peace."
The fourth of eleven children, she grew up at 1020 South Denver Street (440 East) in the Liberty Wells neighborhood of Salt Lake City, 754 East Parker Lane (2855 South) in Millcreek, 3195 South Imperial Street (1700 East) in East Millcreek, 378 East Coatsville Avenue (1790 South) in Liberty Wells, and 2019 South 800 East in the Sugar House neighborhood of Salt Lake City. Grandma graduated from South High School, Class of 1945. She didn't get her driver's license until later in life. One day, her father asked her to pull the family car into the garage. She drove the car through to the other end and never drove until decades later! She got a job at the Naval Supply Depot in Clearfield. Grandma attended Brigham Young University, majoring in business. While living in Provo, she worked as a bookkeeper at the State Bank of Provo.
She served a mission to the Central Atlantic States, where she met her future husband, Normand Lee Gibbons. After completing their missions, Grandma returned to Utah and Grandpa was drafted by the U.S. Army. He trained at Fort Ord, California and was stationed in Europe until his honorable discharge in November of 1955. They continued to correspond while he served in the Army and, following his return to the United States, they were engaged and married on Friday, August 3, 1956 in the Salt Lake Temple. President John B. Hawkes, second counselor in the Salt Lake Temple presidency from 1956-1961, performed the ceremony.
After a honeymoon at Strawberry Reservoir, they returned to Provo. In June of 1957, they moved to Washington, D.C. to work for the Hot Shoppes Restaurant chain. While living on the East Coast, they resided in an apartment at 1427 South 28th Street in Arlington, Virginia. Alas, it wasn't meant to be. Before long, they returned to the Beehive State to finish their schooling at BYU. While living in Provo, they resided at 537 East 1430 North on the BYU campus. Following graduation, they moved to Salt Lake County. Settling in the small town of Magna, their first home was located at 3388 South Broadway Street (7700 West) in Magna's Lake Ridge neighborhood. In 1962, Grandma and Grandpa purchased land in Granger (now West Valley City) and began work on their dream home. In 1965, they moved into the house located at 4218 South 4205 West in the Fairlane Heights neighborhood of Granger. Grandma was blessed with five children and four grandchildren; she loved them dearly. She was very active in the PTA, serving as president.
Grandma was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had a strong and unwavering testimony of the gospel. She was raised in the Lincoln Ward, Salt Lake Granite Stake. While living in Magna, she was a member of the Lake Ridge Ward, Magna Utah Stake. While living in West Valley City, she belonged to the Jordan North Second Ward, Salt Lake Jordan North Stake. Grandma served diligently and faithfully in several callings, including Relief Society President and Counselor in the Jordan North Second Ward.
Grandma had many talents. She was an amazing cook! Grandma was known for her oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, divinity, fudge, spaghetti, and meatloaf with piquant sauce. Grandma was an organizational genius. Her record-keeping skills were unheard of, and she was entrusted with planning many family Christmas parties, family 4th of July breakfasts, family reunions, and monthly family dinners. Her siblings lovingly called her "Sergeant Gae."
Grandma loved celebrating every holiday that took place throughout the year and, despite poor health, continued to decorate the family home for Christmas every year until her death. She was an accomplished artist, leaving behind many beautiful paintings and other handmade mementos for her family to treasure. Grandma enjoyed gardening and always had the most beautiful roses in the neighborhood. Yellow roses were her favorite. She was a longtime subscriber to the Deseret News. She was also a member of the Fort Douglas-Hidden Valley Country Club.
Grandma was extremely passionate about genealogy. Following in the footsteps of her aunt, Ella Record, she spent a great deal of time chronicling the history of the Gibbons and Curtis families. At the time of her death, her scrapbooks numbered in the dozens, much to the surprise and joy of her family. Grandma was a big soap opera fan. She loved watching The Young and the Restless (her favorite), General Hospital, One Life to Live, and As the World Turns. She was also a fan of old movies and musicals. Her favorites were Shirley Temple movies, The Trip to Bountiful, An Affair to Remember, The Sound of Music, Wait Until Dark, and several others.
Grandma struggled with multiple health problems throughout her life, yet always remained active in family, church, and community affairs. On August 31, 1963, shortly after 9:00 p.m., Grandma, Grandpa, their three children, and a niece, Sandy, were traveling back to Magna when they were hit by a drunk driver in the intersection of 4800 West and 4100 South in Hunter. Grandma suffered scalp lacerations and a broken back. She never fully recovered from her back injury and was plagued with back problems for the rest of her life. She was diagnosed with bronchiectasis in 1968. She struggled with bronchial pneumonia off and on for most of her life. In her last years, she was plagued by arthritis, forcing her to give up painting, sewing, and scrapbook work.
On the morning of Monday, January 26, 1998, she suffered a fall at home and was taken by ambulance to Pioneer Valley Hospital in West Valley City. At her request, she was transferred to LDS Hospital in the Avenues neighborhood of Salt Lake City. On Tuesday, January 27, 1998, with her brother, Dale, at her side, she passed away peacefully of natural causes at 1:10 a.m. She was seventy years, eight months, and two days old.
She left to cherish her memory: her husband, Normand L. Gibbons, of West Valley City; her children, Gaston Gibbons of Havana, Florida; Mike Gibbons of Houston, Texas; Ron (Ann) Gibbons of Dallas, Texas; Christy (Dale) Curtis of West Valley City; and Robert (Tamara) Gibbons of West Jordan; her grandchildren, Ryan Curtis of West Valley City, Robert Gibbons, Jr. of West Jordan; and Parker and Macy Gibbons of Dallas; her brothers and sisters, Dale Curtis of Kearns, DeVon (Bertha) Curtis of Cottonwood Heights, Kent (Bonnie) Curtis of Taylorsville (serving an LDS mission in Houston at the time), Sara Flink of South Jordan, Rula (John) Flink of Ogden, and Barbara (Bill) Inkley of Magna; her brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Oris Black of Blanding, Dee (Ann) Bradshaw of South Jordan, Don Gibbons of Los Alamos, New Mexico; and Jessie Jane Brandenburg of Provo; and her beloved nieces and nephews, Darrell Black, Mary Gae (Todd) Sibley, Kaylene (Delbert) Mulvey, Oralee Black, Wayne Black, Steven Black, Kenda (Gary) Winn, Janet (Jerry) McWillis, Karen (Greg) Houskeeper, Sheryl (Randy) Broomhead, Larry Curtis, Sandy (Scott) Peterson, Stephen Curtis, Stuart Curtis, Sherman Curtis, Sara Andreason, Stephen (Cynthia) Flink, Richard (Karen) Flink, Glenn (JoAnn) Flink, David Flink, Marianne, Donald Flink, Alan Inkley, John Inkley, Kathy (Cory) Killpack, Dale Inkley, Linda Jensen, Tyler Bradshaw, and Kelli Bradshaw. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Ruel Wayne Curtis, sisters, Phyrl Black and Linda Bradshaw; in-laws, Jesse and Eleanor Gibbons; brother-in-law, Hank Flink; and sister-in-law, LaRue Gibbons.
Funeral services were held on Friday, January 30, 1998 at 10:00 a.m. in the Jordan North Second Ward Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 4270 South Falcon Street (4145 West) in West Valley City. Calling hours took place on Thursday, January 29, 1998 from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home located at 4330 South Redwood Road (1700 West) in Taylorsville, and prior to the services at the church on Friday from 9:00 until 9:45 a.m.
Following the conclusion of the funeral services, Grandma was laid to rest beside her parents in the Redwood Memorial Estates Cemetery located at 6500 South Redwood Road (1700 West) in Taylorsville.
Summary of funeral services:
Funeral services were held under the direction of Bishop Brent Yorgason.
The family prayer was offered by Brian Brandenburg.
The prelude and postlude music was offered by Colette Condie.
The invocation was offered by Patriarch Ned Winder.
Musical numbers performed included: "I Am a Child of God," which was performed by her grandson, Ryan D. Curtis, and her great-nieces and great-nephews, and accompanied by Sara Andreason; "How Great Thou Art," which was performed by Emily Taylor and accompanied by Lorie Hemsley; and a piano solo of "I Heard Him Come," which was performed by Nicole Flink.
Speakers included: Barbara Winder, Ronald N. Gibbons, and Michael Gibbons.
A poem entitled "The Afghan" was recited by Diana Boschetti. It was accompanied by LaDawn Bushnell on the flute and Lorie Hemsley on the piano.
The benediction was offered by President Richard Winder.
The grave was dedicated by Steven Flink.
Pallbearers included: Ronald N. Gibbons, Michael Gibbons, E. Gaston Gibbons, Donald Gibbons, Dale D. Curtis, N. DeVon Curtis, Dale H. Curtis, and Brian Brandenburg.
Honorary pallbearers included: Brody Eskelson, Parker Gibbons, Robert Gibbons, Sr., Robert Gibbons, Jr., Ryan D. Curtis, and J. Kent Curtis.
Her obituary, which was published in the Deseret News on January 28, 1998:
"Our sweet, beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Arva Gae Curtis Gibbons, passed away peacefully at 1:10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 1998.
"Born May 27, 1927 in Aurora, Utah, daughter of Ruel and Mary Zola Harward Curtis. Graduated from South High School in 1945 and then attended BYU.
"She served an LDS Mission in the Central Atlantic States. It was while serving her mission that she first met our Dad. After completing their missions and returning to Utah, they began a courtship, and later married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on August 3, 1956. Together they raised five children.
"Mom served diligently and faithfully in various callings in the LDS Church. Loved to cook, sew, paint, and do genealogy. Before arthritis and other debilitating illnesses made her unable to, mom did extensive genealogy, scrapbook work, and was an accomplished artist, leaving many beautiful paintings and other hand made momentos for us to treasure.
"Mom is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Normand L. Gibbons; children, E. Gaston Gibbons, Talahassee, FL., Michael Lee Gibbons, Houston, TX., Ronald Normand (Ann) Gibbons, Dallas, TX., Christy Gae (Dale) Curtis, Salt Lake City, Robert Curtis (Tamara) Gibbons, Salt Lake City. She was blessed with five beautiful grandchildren that she treasured. They brought her much joy and she was very proud of each of them. They are: Ryan Dale, Robert James Jr., Brody, Parker Jesse and Macy Lee; sisters, Sara Flink, Salt Lake City, Rula (John) Flink, Ogden, Barbara (Bill) Inkley, Magna; brothers, Dale H. Curtis, Kearns, Utah, and N. DeVon Curtis, Salt Lake City, J. Kent (Bonnie) Curtis, serving an LDS Mission in Houston, TX.; brothers-in-law, Oris Black, Blanding, UT., Dee (Ann) Bradshaw, South Jordan, Don Gibbons, Los Alamos, NM.; sister-in-law, Jesse Jane Brandenburg, Provo, UT; and many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly. Preceded in death by her parents; brother, Ruel Wayne Curtis; sisters, Mary Phyrl Black, and Linda Kaye Bradshaw.
"Special thanks to the doctors and nurses on 8th Floor West at LDS Hospital and Dr. Thompson and Dr. Dean for all the compassionate care given to our mom.
"Funeral services will be held Friday, 10 a.m., at the Jordan North 2nd Ward, 4270 South 4145 West, West Valley City. Friends may call Thursday, 5-8 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road and Friday at the church, 9-9:45 am. Interment, Redwood Memorial Estates.
"Gae, Rest in Peace."
