Barbara Gibbons died unexpectedly February 1 at her home in Kimball, WI following a brief illness.

Barb was born May 6, 1949 in Detroit Lakes, MN to the late Jack and Helen (Thompson) Benshoof. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BA in English in 1971 then went to work teaching junior high English in Spring Green, WI.

In 1980 Barb married John Gibbons in Madison, WI on the last Saturday of summer. Drawn by their love of the outdoors, they moved to Hurley, WI in 1984 with their two children, Emily and Jack. Despite being a transplant to the area, Barb made a place for herself in the community, starting with her position as an English teacher at Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood, MI, where she taught until her retirement in 2012. Mrs. Gibbons was known for developing academic excellence with a classroom style that was energetic, innovative, and witty. After retiring, Barb continued to use her English skills to contribute to her community as a grant writer for the Historic Ironwood Theater.

Barb was a forceful, determined woman who influenced the world and people around her for the better. She was not someone who did things by halves. When Barb took a position, she went all in, and you never doubted where you stood with her. She believed in the importance of small details and small kindnesses; she was known for her caring, thoughtful, deft gestures that cheered all who knew her.

Barb and John were avid backpackers and canoeists. From an early age they took their children out into the woods, mountains, and lakes and instilled in them a deep love of the outdoors.

Barb is survived by her husband John Gibbons of Kimball, WI; her daughter Emily (Jake) Newhouse of Salt Lake City, UT; her son Jack (Dr. Elisabeth) Gibbons of Duluth, MN; her brothers Jim (Martha) Benshoof of Minneapolis, MN, Ward Benshoof of Los Angeles, CA, Paul (Jodi) Benshoof of Bemidji, MN, and Steve (Debi) Benshoof of Mesa, AZ; her sisters-in-law Carol Gibbons (Jeff Guttman) of Los Gatos, CA, Elf Gibbons of Ft. Myers, FL, Patti (John) Holton of Ellison Bay, WI, Muffin Gibbons of San Jose, CA, and Lori (John) Brennan of Jacksonville, IL; her grand daughters Sylvie, Phoebe, Jane, Mae, and Elsie; and numerous nieces and nephews in both the Gibbons and Benshoof families.

Barb was pre-deceased by her sisters-in-law Donna Gibbons (Jason Brett) of Glenview, IL and Kathy (Chic) Bruning of Ft. Myers, FL.

A celebration of Barb's life is planned for this spring. Further details will be made available.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution in her name to the Historic Ironwood Theater at www.ironwoodtheatre.net.