Vermadel Katherine Gibson

Vermadel, known to family and friends as Del, was born on August 9, 1927, in Pueblo, Colorado, to the late John W. Jones and the late Florence Katherine Jones. She moved to Portland with her parents and sister, the late Lenore Ernst, as a very young child. She grew up in North East Portland, attending Rigler Elementary School and Girls Polytechnic High School.

She met George Gibson in a youth group at Acreage Community Church, now Grace Presbyterian Church, where they were married on June 22, 1947, and remained active members for many years. They lived in Monmouth while George attended Monmouth College, then made their home in Portland. George and Del lived the perfect example of a loving marriage partnership until George’s death on June 2, 2003.

Del worked as a Certified Dental Assistant in private practice, then taught senior dental students, Dental Assistant Utilization, for many years at the University of Oregon Dental School, now part of Oregon Health & Sciences University.

When she retired from OHSU, Vermadel volunteered in the office of Pastoral Care Services at Good Samaritan Hospital, leaving her mark of kindness, acceptance and love with everyone she encountered.

A woman of deep faith, Del walked the walk, giving of her time and remained dedicated to those in need. Del and George opened their hearts and their home to many over the years, providing emotional support and a safe place for those who needed love and shelter.

Always up for an adventure, Del loved to travel with family. She and George introduced their young family to the wonders of Oregon’s state parks with camping trips every summer. The Oregon Coast was a favorite destination. She would visit family whether nearby or across the country. In later years, her grandchildren and great grandchildren became part of her entourage. Her dog, Casper, and later, Milo, always had a prime place in the car.

Del loved seeing the world from a hot air balloon and never met a roller coaster she didn’t like. She talked about wanting to try skydiving someday.

She is survived by her children, Reed Gibson of Portland, Oregon, Chardel Gibson Blaine of Woodinville, Washington, Ken Gibson of Hillsboro, Oregon and foster son David Wright of West Jordan, Utah. She will be deeply missed by her 14 grandchildren, Kari Hann, Dan Gibson, Staci Kinnee, Taylor Hansen, Laurel Blaine, Charlie Blaine, Matt Gibson, Joe Gibson, Anna Gibson, Mary Gibson, Rose Gibson, Dominic Gibson, Petra Gibson, Aiden Gibson, Evelyn Gibson and 7 great grandchildren: Lily, Ruby, George, Kaitlyn, Aiyana, Sidni and Stroud.

Private interment is at Willamette National Cemetery. Friends and family can celebrate Del at a memorial service that will be planned for a future date.

The family requests donations to The Meals on Wheels Foundation, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. As she often said, “Be nice to each other.”