Ruby Jo Gibson

Ruby Jo Gibson of Lavaca, AR died on June 12, 2025 in Fort Smith, AR following a brief illness. She was born on July 21, 1933 in Shady Point, OK to Truman Arthur Richards and Josie Irene Richards of Shady Point. She was the widow of Clyde Melvin Gibson of Lavaca, the love of her life. Together they founded Lavaca Telephone Company, which later was known as Pinnacle Communications. Clyde and Ruby Jo loved serving the public through their work. They built a wonderful and fulfilling life in Lavaca, raising four children whom they loved fervently and nurtured adoringly.

Ms. Ruby Jo, as known by many, was a true telephone pioneer, having started as a young girl helping her mother with the local switchboard situated in their house, connecting calls for those in the community. After graduating from Panama, Ok High School, she moved to Fort Smith where she worked for Bell Telephone Company at Fort Chaffee, AR. It was there she met her young soldier boy, Clyde, and they were married January 1, 1952, shortly before he shipped to Korea. Thus began their lifetime journey full of deep, abiding love and dedicated, purposeful commitment.

Ruby Jo Gibson is survived by her four loving children and their spouses: Keith and Jill Gibson of Fort Smith, Dean and Monica Gibson of Lavaca, Greg and Cindy Gibson of Lavaca, and Bennett and Tammy Nolan of Fort Smith. She is also survived by her older sister, June Foster of Neosho, MO, whom she dearly loved and admired. She was preceded in death by her brother, Vernon Richards, and her sister, Tennie Bright, both of whom she likewise loved so much.

Grandmama was so proud of her 11 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren, and was looking forward to the upcoming birth of two more great grandkids. They all greatly loved their Grandmama.

Ruby Jo Gibson loved Jesus most of all. She loved nothing more than to play hymns on the piano and sing His praises. She loved her family with everything she had, and she loved others with compassion and charity. She fulfilled her chief purpose and highest end, to love God and to fully enjoy Him forever. Thanks be to God.

The family will greet friends Monday evening, June 16 from 5-7 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith. A burial service will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17 at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith, followed by a Memorial Service to be held at 11:00 a.m. at First Southern Baptist Church in Central City, AR.

If so desired, memorials may be made to First Southern Baptist Church Building Fund, 12 West Central Avenue, Lavaca, AR. 72941, or to Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 2207, Lowell, AR. 72745-2183.