Marilyn Gladys (Barber) Gibbons, 87, of Ottawa, Kansas, formerly of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Monday, January 5, 2026 at her daughter’s home in Ottawa, Kansas.
Born October 17, 1938 in Quincy, Illinois, Marilyn was the daughter of the late Harold Frank and Mabel Paulene (Dickinson) Barber. On May 27, 1962 in West Point, Illinois, Marilyn was united in marriage to Terry Mack Gibbons who preceded her in death in March of 1989. She was also preceded in death in March 2007 by her son, William “Billy” Gibbons.
Marilyn is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Brian Gansy of Ottawa, KS; two grandchildren, Steven Michael Gansy and Nicole Lynn Gansy; as well as several nieces and nephews.
A graduate of Bowen High School, she also attended Kirksville State Teachers’ College. Marilyn was a dedicated professional, serving Truman State University (formerly Kirksville State Teachers’ College and Northeast Missouri State University) for five decades, from 1963 until her retirement in 2013.
She was a woman of deep community roots, active in the First Christian Church of Kirksville, the Women of Today of Kirksville, the Ann Haynes Chapter of the DAR, and the Eastern Star.
Marilyn loved going on cruises with her friends, traveling with her son Billy on bowling trips, and spending time with her daughter Melissa and her family.
Public visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 11, 2026 at Travis-Noe Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Polley officiating. Interment will follow the service at Park View Memorial Gardens in Kirksville.
Memorial donations in memory of Marilyn may be made to the American Cancer Society and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.