Janice Pearl (Awckland) Gibbs

Wasilla resident Janice Pearl (Awckland) Gibbs, died peacefully in her sleep on April 11, 2018. A Funeral service was held on Friday April 20, 2018 at Cantwell Bible Church in Cantwell, Alaska. She was laid to rest at Cantwell Cemetery. A Memorial service was held on Saturday April 21, 2018 at Birch Harbor Baptist Church in Wasilla, Alaska. Jan Gibbs was born May 17, 1938 in Quakertown, Pennsylvania to Horace and Pearl (Dietz) Awckland. She graduated from Philadelphia College of Bible and then received a B.S. in nursing. Jan married Richard (Dick) Henry Gibbs in September 1964. In 1965 they moved to Alaska to serve with Arctic Missions. During this time, they lived and worked in Ruby, Kaltag, and Seward. They also worked with Victory High School and Arctic Bible Institute. The couple moved to Wasilla in the 1970s. Jan enjoyed gardening, cooking, friends, and family. She is remembered for her love, care, and service to others. She lived her life in service to her Savior Jesus Christ. Dick and Jan have three sons, all born in Alaska. Jan is survived by: Son, Ken (Janet) Gibbs of Olympia Fields, IL, and their children, Rebekah (Kameron) Hunter, and great-granddaughters: Abigail and Selah of Bedford, VA; Esther (Isaac) Ellis of Columbia, MO; Joel (Nicole) Gibbs of Burnaby, British Columbia; Joanna Gibbs of Kelowna, British Columbia. Son, Don (Susan) Gibbs of Wasilla, AK, and their children: Kayin and Jadyn. Son, Dave (Kristin) Gibbs of Elizabethtown, PA, and their children: Kaitlin, Sarah, Caleb, and Luke Gibbs. Jan is preceded in death by her parents, Horace and Pearl Awckland; her brother, Kenneth Awckland, and her husband, Richard Gibbs.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts can be sent to: Kako Retreat Center – P.O. Box 29 – Russian Mission, AK. 99657. Online donations: www.kakoretreatcenter.org. Arrangements cared for by Janssen’s Mat-Su Funeral Home.