Lori J. Gibson

Lori Jean Gibson, 62, of Kewanee, IL, passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, December 20 at the Richard L. Owens Hospice Home surrounded by family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on February 9, 1963, in Kewanee, IL, Lori was the beloved daughter of Bob and Beverly (Tharp) Felten. She graduated from Kewanee High School and continued her education at Black Hawk College and Western Illinois University.

Lori dedicated her life to caring for others as a Registered Nurse, serving at Kewanee Labor & Delivery, St. Francis Hospital, and the Kewanee Correctional Center.

In 1984, Lori married her college sweetheart, Matt Gibson, at Western Illinois University. Their love endured for over four decades, and together they built a beautiful family.

Lori is survived by her husband, Matt, and their children, Michael and Kristen Gibson of DeWitt, IA with grandchildren Graham, Eden, and Mila; Eric and Janelle Gibson of Kewanee, IL with grandchildren Gracen, RaeAnn, Bryson, and Callan; Emily and Carsten Hamilton of Peoria, IL with grandchildren Dylan and Quinn. Lori is also survived by her sisters Debbie (Jim) Woods, Jane (Shelby) Davis, and brother Phil (Marleny) Felten, and Mary DeClercq, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family members. Lori is preceded in death by her parents Bob and Beverly Felten, sisters Nancy and Chris, Brother Terry, and Niece Katie.

As a mother, Lori was a pillar of strength, kindness, and unconditional love. She devoted herself to her family, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her warmth, laughter, and genuine care will be deeply missed by her husband, children, grandchildren, and all who were fortunate to be part of her life.

Lori had a passion for art, music, and horseback riding, but her true passion and greatest joy was her family and spending time with her nine cherished grandchildren. She was a person who could find beauty in the small things and taught her loved ones the importance of cherishing life’s simple pleasures. Her dedication to being a Registered Nurse was a reflection of her generous spirit and desire to make the world a better place.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 3 at Saint John Paul II Parish in Kewanee. Celebrant will be Fr. Narcis Katambe. A visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, January 2 at Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee with recitation of the rosary at 3:30 p.m. Cremation will be accorded following the services and private inurnment will be held at Pleasant View Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed in her honor to an educational fund started for her grandchildren.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lori J. Gibson, please visit our floral store.