CAROL LOUISE GIBSON

Wasilla resident Mrs. Carol Louise Gibson, 56, died at her home Aug. 1, 2003, from complications of multiple sclerosis.

A graveside service will take place at Valley Memorial Park in Palmer on Tuesday, Aug. 5, at 1 p.m., with Pastor William Hamilton officiating.

Mrs. Gibson was born Jan. 12, 1947, in Pittsburgh, Penn.

With her father in the U.S. Air Force, she was raised in Bermuda until she was 8 years old. The family moved to Anchorage in 1955. In 1978 she moved to Wasilla with her husband, Bob Simmons.

Mrs. Gibson worked in the real estate industry as an associate broker, broker and, most recently, teaching a correspondence class for pre-licensing.

Her family said, "Carol enjoyed traveling and entertaining friends. She loved the outdoors and fishing and she liked collecting cookbooks and Hummel figurines.

Carol was vivacious. She loved to dress elegantly. She was very strong-willed and wasn't afraid to speak her mind. Everyone who knew her loved and respected her."

Mrs. Gibson is survived by her husband, Robert "Bob" M. Simmons of Wasilla; her daughter, Christina Gamez; two step-sons, four step-daughters and 17 grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Mat-Su, 3051 E. Palmer-Wasilla Highway, Wasilla AK 99654.

Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory.