Loretta Gibbens

Loretta Kellams Gibbens age 87 passed away on Feb. 19,2023. Loretta was born in Indiana to George and Hazel Kellams.

She was raised in Franklin, Indiana, graduated from Franklin High School and Franklin College. At Franklin College she met Alfred (Ted) Gibbens and they married on May 5, 1957.Loretta earned a master’s degree from Butler University. She began teaching at the Elementary school level and completed her career teaching English as a second language at Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga, CA where she served as Chair of the English Department. She retired as a full professor. Loretta was a determined Life Master bridge player and was devoted to the Vanderbilt Bridge Center in Nashville. She and her best friend Mary Margaret Hamlett traveled around the world for tournaments and lessons.On the occasion of Loretta’s 85thbirthday, daughter Ellen put a picture on facebook with a caption that read “this is my mom. She’s smart and funny and tough as nails”. It might also have said that she was the keystone of our family and we miss her already.

Loretta is survived by her husband of 65 years, a son Thomas (Debby) and a daughter Ellen Adams (Steve), four grandchildren, Michelle Netzel (Jordan), Ben Edwards, Jeff Adams (Julie) and Kristin Doberstein (Cameron), and great grandchildren Theo Netzel, Eloise Netzel, Sullivan Netzel and Clara Adams. She is also survived by her sister, Marilyn Lusk and her nieces,Connie Brinson and Carol Brownfield.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Alive Hospice.