Dolores Ann Gibbs

Dolores was born July 19, 1932 to parents Louis and Gladys Cholasinski Ewald, in South Bend Indiana. She married Paul Gibbs, on a snowy winter day, February 3, 1951. By 1963, they decided to head south. They packed up their nine children and moved to Huntsville, Alabama. They later moved to nearby Athens in 1976. She spent the remainder of her life in Limestone County.

The majority of her 93 years were spent caring for the needs of others, including her large family, church and community. She was a faithful member of St Paul Catholic Church where she was a member of the Altar Guild, taught English to immigrants and sang in the choir. She served her community as an Assistant Girl Scout leader, and along with Paul was a member of the local AARP, Habitat for Humanity and delivered Meals on Wheels.

With such a large family, it was only natural Dolores would spend much of her time in her kitchen, where she served up nourishing meals. She diligently cared for home and family, always giving, while sacrificing her own needs. Sandwiches were made of slice bread, but her own, always the heel of the loaf! She was an expert at baby and infant care, every day caring for babies along with school age children, laundry and dishes. And always with calm and patient. It was others first, even her dying day, she was concerned about the comfort of those around her!

After 75 years of marriage to Paul, she had plenty of advice there, too. She had a good answer to most any question. Simply, prayerfully serve God by loving your husband, caring for your children and to whistle while you work, giving care to the details. In all undertakings, they worked in unison, amazing to watch her direct Paul backing to hitch the camper, perfection! When he walked in after a long days work, dinner was on the table, house clean and laundry finished, this was now his time. In recent years, she has given exceptional care to Paul, even as her own health began failing.

Dolores passed peacefully, swept away by angels to join her parents and as the youngest of five girls, a joyful reunion in Heaven. Her family was blessed beyond measure by her love, grace and wisdom. Her example lives on in the legacy of her very large family. She dearly loved each and every one. We are so happy that she is now rid of cancer but life will never be the same without her. She lived what some would say was an ordinary life lived in an extraordinary way.

Dolores is survived by her husband, Paul Gibbs; sons: David Gibbs (Audrey), Tim Gibbs (Brenda), and Greg Gibbs (Sherry), all of Madison; Mark Gibbs of Fayetteville TN, and Chris Gibbs (Lynn) of Folkston GA; daughters: Mary Ann Chambers, Ann King (Danny, deceased) and Monica Morgan (John) all of Athens, and Julie Plyler (Charles) of Melbourne FL; grandchildren: Paul Gibbs (Amanda), Robert Gibbs (Cassandra), Theresa Chambers, and Michelle Luxemburg (Marc), all of Athens; Lisa Barfield (Sheldon) of Decatur AL, Matt Gibbs (Cherie) of Mt. Juliet TN, Amanda Eslick (William) of Fayetteville TN, Emmylou Porter (Brent) of Flintville TN, Eli Gibbs (Jessica) of Huntsville AL, James Gibbs (Jessica) of Boiling Springs SC, Evie Gibbs of Sarasota FL, Zachary Gibbs of Callahan FL, Alicia Sparks of Helena AL, Vickie Holcomb (Cory) of Sylacauga AL, Laura Morgan of Madison AL, Elizabeth Morgan, and Gena Dalton (Case) both of Harvest AL, Jillian Plyler, Lindsay Cope (John) of Roanoke VA, Susie Stiers (Frank) of Jacksonville FL, and Trey Plyler of Largo, FL; 25 great grandchildren, Sisters-in-law: Patty Haden of South Bend IN and Margie Gibbs of Huntsville AL; nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers include grandsons: Paul Gibbs, Robert Gibbs, Eli Gibbs, James Gibbs and Trey Plyler, along with great-grandson: Logan Ruble.

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 5, 2026 from 7-9 PM at McConnell Funeral Home. Prior to the visitation, guests are welcome to join in praying of the Rosary in the chapel beginning at 6:00, after which the family will then hold their private viewing until 7:00. On Friday March 6, 2026 visitation will be held from 10-11AM at St. Paul's Catholic Church. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 11AM, burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery. After burial the grandchildren will then provide lunch in the hall at St Paul Catholic Church.

The family would like to extend their deepest thanks to the caregivers in the family, Lisa Poss Caregivers, and Hospice of Limestone County.

Donations may be made to Hospice of Limestone County in her honor.