Gloria Kay Carper (Gibson) Hibbard, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and dear friend, passed away peacefully at home in Tustin, Michigan on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, with her family by her side.
Gloria was born to Richard and Marjorie (Mitchell) Carper on July 14, 1934 in Lansing, Mcihigan. After Marjorie’s untimely passing, Richard married the former Ada Lillian Holmes who raised Gloria from infancy. She was a member of the Eastern High School Class of 1952 and Michigan State University Class of 1956. Gloria went on to earn her Master's Degree in teaching. She taught elementary education in the Lansing Public Schools for 30 years. Her fondest teaching years were spent with her Horsebrook Elementary School family. She was a life-long member of First United Methodist Church, where she shared her beautiful voice in the choir for many years. Gloria was a past member of The Order of the Eastern Star. When Gloria met her husband, Orlo, he swept her heart right off the dance floor, and they were married on August 1, 1976. Family always came first and they enjoyed many years raising their blended family together. She was an avid reader and enjoyed writing memoirs of she and Orlos’ travels “on the road” in their motor home for nearly 20 years. Many friendships were made and enjoyed along the way. For the last several years, they wintered in Florida and then Texas, and returned to Michigan each summer to their cottage near Clare, Michigan. Photographing and documenting life’s journey was important to Gloria and enjoyed by all. Gloria, “Glo” lived up to her nick-name by brightening every path she traveled with her contagious smile and laughter.
Gloria is survived by the love of her life, Orlo; her sister, Patricia (Carper) McAvoy; children, Eugenia (Gibson) and Mark Jarema, Patty (Hibbard) DeSilva, Elizabeth (Gibson) and Scott Burke, Sherry (Hibbard) Kahlil, Gary and Enriqueta Hibbard; 11 grandchildren; 12 great- grandchildren; many brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, and life-long friends.
Heartfelt thanks to the many special care givers in Texas and Michigan.
In accordance with Gloria’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Services will be planned for a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions made to your favorite charity in her memory.
Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.Fosnaught-Holdship.com.
The family is being served by Fosnaught-Holdship Funeral Home.
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