How do you sum up the life of someone who would pick you up from school in a red mustang, red lipstick, and dressed like Jackie O., who lived in a small farming community but showed up to work in heels...
Jeanette was the epitome of class and grace and taught those around her to hold their heads high and was a mother and grandmother to all. She toggled party lines but was always thoughtful and decisive in her decisions. She was the first and leading feminist in her family and did so with grit and determination. While these words will not do her justice, we hope she approves.
Jeanette Vaught Gibson, 86, of Alma, left this earth on August 31, 2022. She was born December 27, 1935, in Anadarko, OK to Bud and Pearl Vaught, along with her twin sister Jeanelle. She was lucky enough to live through her twinship in the embryo. She was the youngest of five children.
She was the mother to Rise Diane, Kathleen Roxanne, Terry Lee, and William Buck, and stepmother to Debra Kaye, Rick Dean, and Rondal Scott. They moved to WaKeeney, KS in December 1969, and she was a schoolteacher there for 35 years. She loved golfing, playing gin and bridge with friends, and gardening. She enjoyed traveling across the United States to visit her sisters. Some of their most enjoyable years were spent having barbecues poolside with friends and family.
In 2008 Jeanette and Harold retired full-time to Lake Wabaunsee where they made numerous friends.
She continued to golf, spend time with her friends and family, tended her garden and rose bushes, and fully enjoyed a well-deserved retirement. In her free time, she also loved painting and writing.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Bernard, her sisters Barbara and LaVerne, the love of her life, Harold, her beautiful daughters Kathleen and Debbie, and her son Scott.
She is survived by her daughter Rise, her sons Terry (Dona), William, and Rick (Kandi), 11 Grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and her handsome, tuxedo-wearing cat, Jack.
She will be sorely missed by all who knew her, and her legacy will live on through them.
Long - live ya-ya’s!
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials donations may be made to the Topeka Humane Society online at https://www.hhhstopeka.org/donate-online/ or the SRL All Breed Dog Rescue and mailed to 503 E 3rd St Minneapolis Kansas or left in care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, 4370 Salzer Rd PO Box 48, Wamego, Kansas 66547.