Dorothy Gibby

Dorothy Lee Erkelens Gibby

October 7, 1943 - January 23, 2019

Dorothy Lee Erkelens Gibby, 75, completed her life's mission on January 23, 2019 in her cherished Layton home. Born in Ogden, Utah on October 7, 1943 to Dutch immigrant parents Leendert Erkelens and Leonora (Nora) Dorothea Moody Erkelens. She was proud of both her Dutch and American heritage. Dorothy graduated from Ben Lomond High School ('61) and Weber College in Elementary Education ('65). In college, she met Robert Ralph Gibby. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 31, 1964. Dorothy chose to become a full time homemaker. They were blessed with seven children: Genette (Dr. Glen F Biddulph), Leesha Ann (Stephen Mark Jones), Shelly (Paul Redd Vidmar), Ryan Robert Gibby (Malauna Christensen), Daniel Lee Gibby (Michelle Rene Presser), Heather (Trever Ward), and Meggan Emma Gibby. They also have 25 grandchildren and 5.5 great-grandchildren. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Carol Ann Erkelens Brown; and 5 half-siblings, brothers John; Mitchell; Leonard; and Clarence Erkelens; and a sister Marie (Thomas).

Dorothy was a valiant member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings in Primary, Sunday School, Young Women, and Relief Society organizations. She was a faithful visiting teacher. Together, with her husband and daughter Meggan, they completed service in the Rochester New York Mission, assigned to the Freedom Branch of the New York Buffalo Stake.

Dorothy loved life and lived it with faith, dedication, energy, and enthusiasm. She enjoyed growing things inside her home and in their gardens. She loved temple work, family holidays (Christmas, Mother’s Day, Easter, and Thanksgiving), and trips. Disneyland, Holland, Hawaii, Cancun, Yellowstone, Western New York, Nauvoo, and St. George were among her favorites.  She was happiest when children and grandchildren were gathered around her, celebrating together. She loved greeting anyone who might need a welcoming friend, and to stay busy. She will be greatly missed by many wonderful people.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 28, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the Oakhills Ward, 1410 East Gentile, Layton.  Friends may visit family Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road and Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.  Interment, Aultorest Memorial Park, 836 36th Street, Ogden.