Ruth (Valla) Gibson

Ruth Valla Gibson, 93, of Springfield, Tennessee, and formerly of Louisville, Tennessee, died Wednesday, March 27, 2019, at Springfield Heights Assisted Living. 

She was born in Roseau County, Minnesota, to the late John O. and Ferdia Osness Valla, both immigrants from Norway. After graduating from Albert Lea High School, she went immediately to Washington, D.C., having been recruited by the Department of the Navy to work for its wartime operations. There she met her future husband, William Arthur Gibson, Sr., then on active duty, and moved to his Tennessee hometown when they married in 1946.

For more than 30 years, she was church secretary at First United Methodist Church of Knoxville.  She was accomplished in sewing and crafts, having won “best of show” at the Tennessee Valley Fair.  Mrs. Gibson was a dedicated Democrat throughout her life.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by her son, William Arthur Gibson, Jr., and a sister, Signa Johnson. Mrs. Gibson is survived by her devoted daughter Cynthia Ann Mason and husband Bill Mason of Greenbrier, Tennessee; and a sister, Evedna Threinan of Derby, Iowa.

Visitation with the family will take place 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., Saturday, March 30, 2019, at Click Funeral Home, 109 N. Walnut Street, Lenoir City, Tennessee, followed immediately by a graveside service at the Lenoir City Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends remembrances to the Springfield Heights Memorial Fund, 2540 S. Main Street, Springfield, Tennessee 37172.

Robertson County Funeral Home in charge of local arrangements

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