Sephronia “Bella” Gibbs, 81, of 104 East Berman St., New Knoxville, OH died 6:28 Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at St.Rita’s Medical Center in Lima, OH, following a brief illness. 

She was born November 4, 1927 in Lima, OH, the daughter of Francis and Audrey (Ferris) Sanford. 

She married Robert Gibbs on October 11, 1975; he preceded her in death on February 6, 1996. 

She is survived by her four children:

¨ Son, Richard (Janet) Robey of St.Marys, OH

¨ Son, Leonard (Cathy) Roby of Corning, OH

¨ Daughter, Sandra (Michael) Meier of Wapakoneta, OH

¨ Son, John “Tony” (Carol) Roby of St.Marys, OH

¨ 15 grandchildren

¨ 27 great-grandchildren

¨ Brother, Riley Sanford of New Knoxville, OH

¨ Brother, Sam Sanford of St.Marys, OH

¨ Brother, Leonard Sanford of St.marys OH

¨ Sister, Vernita Jump of Clyde, OH 

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, A. J. Sanford;  sisters, Elizabeth Rockwood and Loraine Cook; by grandchildren Michael and Mary Meier; by one great-grandchild. 

Bella had been employed at the former St.Marys Cotton Mill and the Knotty Pine Restaurant in St.Marys, OH.  She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She enjoyed playing poker. 

Funeral rites will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 24, 2009 the Miller-Long and Folk Funeral Home, 314 West High Street, St.Marys, the Rev. Chuck Moeller, officiant.  Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery in St.Marys, OH. 

Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, where memorial donations may be directed to a charity of the donor’s choice.