Donna Ruth Gibbens, 76, Carthage, Mo., passed away Thursday morning, March 19, 2020, at Freeman West Hospital, Joplin, Mo.
Donna was born March 5, 1944, in Carthage to James Franklin Eden and Lola Alice (Goade) Eden. She married Jerry Hartman, and to this union, two children were born; they later divorced. Donna then married Paul Gibbens, who later preceded her in death. She worked at Juvenile Shoe Company and Big Smith in Carthage, and also at Granby Manufacturing.
From the time she was young Donna was a talented baton twirler. She entered and won many twirling contests in Missouri and Arkansas. Donna was a caregiver and always thinking about others. She would visit the nursing homes around the area and the Salvation Army to volunteer and make sure everyone had what they needed. She would go out of her way to help her friends and family in need, no matter the circumstances. She was a soldier of the Salvation Army in Carthage, a member of the Salvation Army Women’s Ministry, and the Red Hat Group; she also enjoyed adding to her vast bear collection. She enjoyed going to Camp Mihaska for Christian fellowship.
Survivors include a daughter, Jerlyn K. Jones and husband Sam, Carthage; two brothers, Roy Eden and wife Nancy, Medford, Ore., and James Eden, Joplin; a brother-in-law, Mike Ford; three grandchildren, Kyle Hartman, Carthage; Justin James, Lawrence, Kan., and Jackie Jones, Carthage; and six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Jerald L. Hartman; and three sisters, Edie Lafoon, Betty Ford and Dorothy Hood.
Services are pending at this time. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
