Obituary of Maryellen Gibson

Maryellen Gibson 18 November 1939 – 11 February 2018 A profoundly special woman has passed away in Post Falls Id. Maryellen exuded love, tenderness and welcoming embracing nature. Maryellen fought lung cancer and lived almost three years beyond her prognoses. Through all of life's struggles, she always found a silver lining, something greater to reach for. Her last goal was to reach her 80th birthday with her special cousin, Dotty. She was surrounded by her family and loved ones. She lives in all our hearts.

There were no strangers around Maryellen. Once a person came to know her, they couldn't help but feel completely accepted and loved. She adopted stray kids and animals her whole life. All of them are family now, just as if they were her own kids. These informal adoptions were natural and felt as easy as a cool evening breeze and an ice cream cone.

As couples would wed or divorce, Maryellen never took sides; she worked hard to make sure they all kept her up to date with their lives. Mom always made sure they all knew that she really cared for them and wanted them to be happy. She was also never opposed to delivering a good nagging!

Maryellen answered to other names throughout her life. Mom, Mury, Auntie Mary, Little Red, Sis, and her all-time favorite, Squirt. She was always working on details for family reunions. This had become one of her passions. Keeping us all together and knowing each other was very important to her. Now it's all our turns to keep in touch with each other.

Maryellen married twice. She was wed to her first husband, Damond (Red) Wesley Inabnit, in 1953. Their union lasted 22 years and produced three sons, Guy (Griz), Morgan (Jaye), and Andrew Inabnit. She later married Allen Newbill in 1980, a marriage which lasted 9 years. She had other suitors along the way, all of whom she truly loved.

Maryellen was preceded in death by her mother and father, Eunice (Dearie) & Bill (Papa) Gibson from Clyde Park, MT. Her brother Thad Gibson in Rathdrum, ID. Her adopted sister, Carol Mann in McMinnville, OR. Her adopted brother, Bill (Cubey) Henwood in Helena, MT. And her oldest child, Guy Lowell Inabnit in Post Falls, Id. She is survived by her two sons, Morgan Jaye Inabnit in Eureka, Ca. Andrew Wade Inabnit in Belgrade, Mt. Her niece and adopted daughter Wendy Lu Gibson in Sandpoint, Id. Her sister-in-law Betty Jo Rounsville Gibson. And her dog Tigger. And many nieces and nephews and cousins and adopted kids the world over.

Our beloved Maryellen made it perfectly clear that we should not mourn her death but instead rejoice a life well lived. She wanted us to throw a big party and share happy memories. A party where everyone hugs, laughs, and remembers. Maryellen's Party will be held on Saturday July 14th at the foot of Patty's Hill on The Petterson Upper Place near Wilsall, Montana.. This was one of her all-time favorite places. We will all share our favorite stories of Maryellen and celebrate her life. Please mark your calendars and join us!