Ada Ferne Gibbs, 87 of Rochelle, formerly of Lindenwood, IL, passed away on Wed.
March 25, 2009 at St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, IL. She was born on Nov. 4,
1921 in the family home, near Mt. Morris, IL, the daughter of Ralph R. and Edith M. (Buterbaugh) Thomas. She graduated from a rural grade school in 1934 and from Mt. Morris High School in 1938. In 1941, she completed a refresher course at Brown's Business College in Decatur, IL. Ferne was united in marriage to Merlyn C. Gibbs on June 24, 1942 in Mt. Morris
and he preceded her on Aug. 26, 1983. She was a homemaker, wife and mother until her children were grown. She was then employed by Swenson Spreader Co. in Lindenwood for 16 years and by Maplehurst Farms for 5 years during fall harvests. Ferne was a member of the Lindenwood Union Church, where she sang in the choir, was a Sunday School Superintendent
and a member of the Ladies Aid Society.

Survivors include son: Jerry (Katherine) Gibbs of Janesville, WI; daughter: Nancy (Philip) Morrison of Indianapolis, IN; daughter-in-law Judy Gibbs of Turlock, CA; a sister: Helen (Henry) DeWall of Forreston, IL; 7 grandchildren; 2 step grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; 3 step great grandchildren; and 3 great great grandchildren. She was preceded by her parents and husband, one son: Larry Gibbs; 2 brothers: Grover and Robert Thomas and 2 sisters: Mary Barnhart and Florence Dietrich.

Services will be held at the Lindenwood Union Church with Rev. Pat and Rev. Les
McClelland officiating on Saturday, March 28, 2009, at 11:00 a.m.
Visitation will be at Unger-Horner Funeral Home 400 N 6th St., Rochelle, on Friday, March 27, 2009, from 4 - 7 p.m.
Private cremation rites and the inurnment will be at Trinity Memory Gardens at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Lindenwood Union Church.