Patricia Gibson

Patricia Ann (Diviney) Gibson (age 80) passed away Sunday, December 05, 2021.  Pat was born May 10, 1941 in La Harpe, Illinois to William Finley Diviney and Eula Carolyn Baggett while on a trip.

Pat’s family was primarily from Texas; however, she grew up near Delta Junction, Alaska on a homestead. Soon after moving, she woke her parents believing their town was on fire the first time she saw the Aurora Borealis.  Alaska was rough country, and she often told stories of the wonderful times she had picking various wild berries, catching salmon in creeks that ‘make our rivers look like streams,’ hunting moose, caribou, etcetera. Pat so loved Alaska, always considering that to be her home, she dreamed of returning.

It was in Alaska where a friend shared their 100-year-old sour dough starter. The Diviney clan: Dale Diviney(of Alaska), Sandy Noonan (passed in Alaska), Tom Diviney (passed in Oregon), Carroll Diviney (of California), and numerous extended family members have kept that same sourdough starter going. Pat was very proud of her part of that ancient sourdough starter and her prowess at creating foods with it—for any visitor, she would have offered sourdough pancakes or cobblers, along with endless hot coffee.

In Alaska, Pat met the love of her life James (Jim) Dean Gibson (who preceded her in death earlier this year). She loved him so dearly, that these past months without him took a toll on her already declining health.

Jim came prepackaged with 3 children: daughter Hope Yvonne Gibson-Elliott (of California—mother of: Terry Elliott Jr., Jake Elliott, and Christie Elliott; deceased Spouse Terry Sr.), son Gibb Brian Gibson (passed in Grand Junction, CO—father of: Shenna Gibson, Carlie Gibson-Shackleford, Katie Gibson-Sanchez and Step-father of Christopher Wrigley; Spouse Valorie), and son Steven Wade Gibson (of Grand Junction, CO—Spouse Rose). Yes, Pat was so excited at the news Jim had children, because she had always wanted kids. She wrote to family members about the wonderful joy of finally being a mother! Soon Pat and Jim had two more children: daughter Cheryl Marie Gibson-Carlton (of Clifton, CO—mother of Johnathan Carlton, Courtney Carlton, Brandy Carlton, and Timothy Carlton; Spouse Eric) and daughter Victoria Lyn Gibson-Ames (of Palisade, CO—mother of Charles Ames and George Ames; Spouse James). These five children completed her family, which was lovingly referred to as the ‘Lucky Gibson Seven.’ In the mid 1970’s, the family relocated near Jim’s home town area in the Grand Valley.

Through the years, Pat worked as a cashier, teller, seamstress, business owner, restauranteur, and hotel manager; however, she was most proud of her work as a CNA. She had an uncanny sense of humor and laughter followed her everywhere.

Pat loved to garden, bake, cook, and canning; she stored up much of the families’ foods with local produce. Her children grew up on fruit rolls called ‘leather,’ she made her own hot cocoa mix, made fruit and vegetable juices, pickles and more. Who could forget her infamous creations such as Refrigerator Goulash, SlumGolian, and Saskatchewan stew!  She was very skilled at knitting, crocheting, and sewing. Pat often made school clothes for all of her children. She even made ALL of the outfits for her daughters’ high school choir performance group.

Pat loved music: she played the piano, the accordion, and she was a very skilled singer. She was a member of Sweet Adelines for many years. Her husband Jim, also loved to sing. The two sang gospel with many friends/family through the years—literally anywhere. At one point they formed a small quartet ‘The La Platta Four’ and sang at numerous churches and events. Pat and Jim loved the Lord with all of their hearts. She loved worshiping the Lord and hosted Bible Studies in her home for decades.

Pat loved animals, from house pets to livestock (there was even a pet burro that came inside on occasion). The family was never lacking multiple pets, there were: parrots, dogs, cats, fish, lizards, cows, sheep, horses, mules, goats, chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys, pheasants, chuckers, peacocks, guineas, rabbits, and even a turtle and a snake. Her all-time favorites were standard poodles which she showed and bred.

Pat loved gymnastics and ice skating as she had competed in both growing up. But sadly, she suffered from polio prior to vaccines, leaving her unable to participate. However, she never stopped watching everything she could about these sports. In her home, it would be easy to believe the Olympics were year-round, she’d watch so much of every sport. She had many friends, some who would visit her to watch sports. Some would even spend hours on the phone with her watching sporting events, or discussing the carnage and victories that took place. She took much pride in her team and nothing made her happier than them defeating a rival that a loved one supported.  Pat was competitive to the bone!

Oh, what a sports fan she was! She loved the Denver Broncos the most, and always said she believed ‘God is a Broncos fan, because he made sunsets Orange and Blue.’ She enjoyed The Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rockies, Denver Nuggets, The PBR, Nascar and others. Her home was always decorated with sports memorabilia as was she!

Many believe she missed her calling as a sports newscaster. There wasn’t a team (in ANY sport) she couldn’t tell you ALL the details. Pat knew all the records, stats, individual players, hometowns, etcetera—to say the least she knew details a trivia game creator had never thought of.  When she wasn’t watching sports, she was playing games or doing puzzles. Her sports passion was why she wanted her memorial celebration to be informal, with guests wearing sports gear.

Pat will be missed by her friends and family. As her door was always open, where she served those secret recipe trail beans, amazing corn bread, sourdough creations; and we enjoyed her laughs, hugs, and her even bigger giving heart.

We’re blessed to have known Pat, Patty, Patricia, daughter, friend, wife, mom, auntie, sis, cousin, and grandma. We have peace knowing Pat and Jim are singing and dancing together forever with Jesus! Congratulations on your heavenly graduation, we love you always!

Pat’s remains will be interned at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Grand Junction CO, at a later date. Due to their limited availability for burials, limited capacity, and strict time restrictions, this will be a private formal gathering for immediate family only.

A friends and family Memorial Service will be at The House of Prayer, 198 Sunlight Drive, Grand Junction, CO presided by Pastor Bill Harvey on December 17, 2021 at 3:00 pm. Please honor Pat’s wishes by wearing your favorite sports gear!