On January 21, 2018, God the Father welcomed His beloved daughter, Rita Leola Hock Gibbs, into her eternal rest--and all in heaven rejoiced. At 98 years old, Rita was the most loving mother of Michael (Karen), Lawrence (Marian), James, Thomas (Karolyn) and Richard (Bobbie) and precious “Maw Maw” to 25 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild--all of whom mourn her loss but thank God for her life. Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Robert Gibbs, parents Dr. Carl Hock and Leola Grass Hock, sisters Dorothy (Davezac) and Helen (Durel), and brothers Charles Jr. and Roy.
A woman of unwavering faith, Rita was a peace-filled lady who bore life’s triumphs and trials with equal graciousness. A member of the “greatest generation,” Rita married Robert after he escaped a POW camp during WWII, cheered him through veterinary school, and was his helpmate through years of private practice. But Rita considered that nothing compared to their finest accomplishment--their five sons. These were the jewels in her crown.
Heartfelt thanks to Rita’s caregivers, Betty Johnson, and Visiting Angels Earline Guilliard, Terrinell Carroll and Olivia Hess for their outstanding love and thoughtfulness.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 10021 Jefferson Hwy, River Ridge, LA. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the time of the Memorial Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Robert and Rita Gibbs Scholarship Fund at Brother Martin High School are preferred. JACOB SCHOEN & SON in charge of the arrangements.

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