UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO PAST FIRST LADY, BETTY GIBB PASSES AFTER A COURAGEOUS BATTLE WITH ALZHEIMER'S
Pullman, WA — Betty Gibb, loving mother, wife, sister, dear friend
and past first lady of the University of Idaho, died Friday, July 10th,after losing a long fought battle with dementia. Until the end, Betty maintained her lovely demeanor and quiet grace. She was still playing the role of hostess, even while living in the Memory Care Villa's at Bishop Place. In her final hours her face still reflected the sweetness of her soul, a soul that enriched those around her.

Born in April 1930 to an Illinois farm family, Betty was the daughter of Onas and Gertrude Epperson. She was big sister to Benjamin Epperson, and adoring little sister to Geraldine Epperson Miller. Little did the dark-haired child know what life would have in store for her. That she would one day find herself as comfortable on the seat of a tractor, as she would be in the seat next to
a congressman.

She attended the University of Illinois, Champagne/Urbana, where she would meet and marry Richard (Dick) Gibb in 1951. Betty took on a key role within the family — keeping the home fires burning and supporting Richard as he completed his higher education and pursued his career in academics. Over the course of their many years together, they moved often to follow her husband's academic pursuits,
including service to his country.

In the early 1950's Richard answered the call of his country and joined the army special services as an officer. Just recently married, Betty and Richard were first stationed in California, where he received specialized training. Richard received his orders to serve In La Rochelle, France in 1952. Richard traveled first, while Betty drove home alone back across country to Illinois to stay with family until arrangements would be made to join him.

Betty departed for France soon thereafter. Upon her arrival in France in the winter of 1952, they celebrated their first French Christmas together. Betty did her part for the post war reconstruction effort and took an administrative job with the army office of special services. Betty became pregnant with their first child during their time in France. Their time together in Europe left them with a lasting love of France and it's people. Over the years, they returned several times, including a holiday trip with their children.

After returning, the couple made their homes in numerous university towns across the Midwest, from Lansing, Michigan, to Western Illinois University, Macomb, where
Dr. Gibb held the position of Vice President. This is also where they
raised their two children. Connie and Richie.

It was the early 70's, the Gibb's received a call from The State of
South Dakota, tapping Vice President Gibb to fill the position of
Commissioner of Higher Education for the State of South Dakota in Pierre.

Here, they embraced life in the state capital, living next to the
Missouri River, where they enjoyed boating, water skiing, fishing, hiking and camping. They loved the time they spent in South Dakota, but soon left for a larger challenge. The Gibb family circles back to the Midwest, where Gibb filled the post of Commissioner of Higher Education for the State of Indiana in Indianapolis. They made this their home for several years, but missed the intimacy of a smaller community.

Their dream of returning to that smaller community and lifestyle was
realized when they received a notification from the University of Idaho that they were searching for a new President. In 1977 they moved to Moscow, Idaho, when Dr. Gibb was tapped to be President of the University of Idaho. President Gibb was quoted as saying, "He had two love affairs in his life, one with his wife, Betty and one with the University of Idaho."

In Idaho, Betty thrived and embraced her role as first lady of the University. She loved hosting and entertaining at University functions and always made all feel immediately at home and at ease in any situation.

Betty and Richard shared a love of gardening, Betty often sacrificed her "nylons", so Richard could use them to cushion his famously large, award winning pumpkins. Betty also loved reading and traveling. She was active in PEO and truly enjoyed the love of her PEO sisters - she made many life long friends at the local chapter. This group of friends deeply loved and supported her during her last challenging years.

She loved spending time with her two grandchildren Jesse and Kelsey, and did her best to spoil them at every opportunity. She also enjoyed her numerous adventure trips to Alaska visiting with her daughter Connie Gibb Reid and her son-in-law Rolland Reid II. Without fail, when the Alaska salmon run started, "Doc" Gibb and Betty would be headed north in pursuit of a larger catch each year.

President Gibb lost his battle with cancer in July of 1992. It was a time of great sadness. Betty remained in their home on Moscow Mountain surrounded by the lands and wildlife she loved. She raised a puppy named Cinnamon, who became her constant companion and brought her great joy. But life alone on the mountain was lonely and she became reacquainted with an old classmate from llinois, Jim Maley.

They shared numerous letters back and forth over several years,and their friendship and courtship blossomed, they were later married. They continued to make their home in Idaho, and spend time camping, and entertaining their friends and family. Jim was Betty's constant caregiver in the final years and gave her much needed support. They were constant companions.

Betty is survived by her husband, Jim Maley, Her son Rich Gibb and her daughter Connie Gibb Reid, son-in-law Rolland R. Reid II, daughter-in-law, Annie Gibb, grand children Kelsey Gibb of Brooklyn NY, and Jesse Dean Gibb of Mannheim Germany.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests tributes be made to either:

Richard D. and Betty Gibb Student Leadership Endowment
C/o University of Idaho Foundation
875 Perimeter Drive ­ Mail Stop 3143
Moscow, ID 83844-3143

Or to Alzhiemer's Association to fund research
Www.alz.org

In lieu of a celebration, the family will be donating those funds to
The University of Idaho, and to help fund Alzheimer's research.