Wilma Lee (Bernhardt) Gibson

Wilma Lee Gibson, 83, died peacefully on Thursday, January 20, 2022, at The Arbors at Mifflin, surrounded by her family’s love.

Wilma was born on February 3, 1938, in Mansfield, OH, to Carl Charles Bernhardt and Barbara Weingartner Bernhardt. One of sixteen children, she graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1956, where she was a forward for the women’s basketball team. In her younger years, she loved to embroider and sew.

Spending most of her working years in restaurant service, she enjoyed her job as a cook at LK and Denny’s restaurants. She was always an exemplary employee, displaying a tireless and diligent work ethic. After retirement, she and her husband could often be found socializing with friends at Sons of Herman and Amvets. In her later years, it brought her joy to volunteer with Snuggled in Hope quilters as she was able.

Wilma was gentle and humble, known for her quiet strength, steadfast resolve, and great resilience. Those who were fortunate to experience her quick-witted sense of humor and adept comedic timing were always in for a treat. She genuinely loved to laugh and had a beautiful smile that will be dearly missed.

Cherished by her family, Wilma considered her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to be her greatest treasure. She will be lovingly remembered by daughters Donna (Doug) Bridges, of Ashland and Debra (Mark Lehman) Gildehaus, of Mansfield; grandchildren Jacquelyn (Gregory) Ryshen, Anna (Zachary) Tupa; great-grandchildren Evan and Moriah Ryshen, Athena and Atlas Tupa; siblings Adam (Joy) Bernhardt, Shirley (Roland) Bertka, William (Margaret) Bernhardt, and sister-in-law Carol Bernhardt.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Loral A. Gibson; daughter, Sara L. Gibson; siblings, Carl Bernhardt Jr., Mary Magdalene Simms, Lena Shrewsberry, Hazel Pearl Salyers, Barbara Figley, Helen Hreisik, Jacob Bernhardt, John Bernhardt, Martha Bobo, Christine Patterson, Donald Bernhardt, and Fred Bernhardt.

In accordance with Wilma’s wishes, there will be no services. She would want us to remember her exactly as we knew her, with the warmth of her charming smile held dear in our hearts.

Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans.

Werner-Gompf Funeral Services, ltd. is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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