Dorothy Lucille (Stebler) Gibbons, of Purdy, Mo., died November 3, 2018, at the age of 92, after suffering multiple strokes.

Dorothy was born December 31, 1925, in Monett, Mo., to Arthur and Edna Stebler, who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death: her brother, Harold Stebler; and her sisters, Ruth Casper and Evelyn Hilton.

Dorothy attended Talbert Country School and Monett Public Schools. After graduating in 1943, she worked as a telephone switchboard operator for Bell Telephone Company, while providing palliative care for her mother, prior to getting married and starting a family.

On October 14, 1949, she married Norman (Gabby) Gibbons, who preceded her in death in 2008; they had four children.

She and Gabby owned and operated Southern Telephone Co. She was a long-time member of the First Christian Church of Purdy, also involved in community events, Purdy School activities, and loved helping others. She enjoyed gardening, bowling, and watching sporting events.

Dorothy was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who loved spending time with family and friends. She was a loving and caring person, always thinking of others first.

Dorothy's memory will be cherished by her family, Michelle Denney, René Jager (Steve), Jana Garritson (Goose), and Rick Gibbons; five grandsons, Michael Jager (Justine), Zach Denney, Isaac Denney, Lucas Garritson (Olivyah), Austin Garritson; one brother, Deryll Gene (Willa Dean); numerous nieces and nephews; her devoted caregivers, Tammy Starchman and Amy Davis; and numerous friends.

Visitation will be Wednesday, November 7th, 6 - 8 p.m., with funeral service scheduled for Thursday, November 8th, at 10 a.m., Bennett Wormington Funeral Home, Monett, followed by burial at Purdy Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Christian Church of Purdy or Purdy Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at bennettwormington.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home, in Monett.