Verda Gibbens

Verda Maxine (Replogle) Gibbens, 85, of Gothenburg, formerly of Cozad, Nebraska, passed away on November 25, 2019 at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg.

Verda was born December 9, 1933 in Taylor, Nebraska to Margaret and Harry (Bud) Replogle. Verda lived her young life in Taylor and Almeria. Her family then moved to Burwell and lived on a ranch. Verda rode her horse Speed to country school every day. Harry became a Brand Inspector later, moving Verda and the family in to the town of Burwell. She attended Burwell High School and was active in 4-H and Home Ec, mostly in sewing where she made a lot of her clothes. Verda graduated high school in 1951. After graduation, Verda moved to Lincoln where she worked as a Secretary for State Senators in the Capitol Building during the Legislative Session for several months. In 1952 she started working for the State Insurance Department for the state of Nebraska. Verda worked there for a few years, then in 1958 worked another Legislative Session. In 1959, she moved to Kearney where she worked for NPPD until 1961.

Verda and Arlen met in 1958 and were married two years later on July 17, 1960 in Sargent.They made their home in Kearney for six years. Arlen and Verda moved to Cozad in 1966 where they lived for 51 years. To this union, four children were born - Tom, Pam, Tim and Jennifer.  Verda stayed at home and raised her children, however, she was very active during those years with Women's Club in Cozad, Welcome Wagon Lady, along with being a Girl Scout & Boy Scout Leader.  She loved to garden and provide produce for her family.  She worked at Wayne's Shoe Store in Cozad for many years until they closed.

Verda attended college at North Platte getting her degree in medical coding and secretariat. She worked for Lutheran Family Services until retirement. Verda spent many years caring for her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking and baking, traveling and spending time with her family. She loved her grandchildren very much spending a lot of her later years attending every sporting event and program she could get to. Verda was a very compassionate wife, mother and grandmother who loved a full house during the holidays or simply just because.
Survivors include her husband Arlen of Gothenburg; her children Tom (Denise) Gibbens of Cozad, Pam (Tom) Laird of Cozad, Tim (Becky) Gibbens of Gothenburg, Jennifer (Shannon) Poggendorf of Kearney; 8 grandchildren; a sister Melvina Mattley of Kearney, NE along with many extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Margaret and Harry.

Memorial services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2002 27th Street, Gothenburg, NE, Monday, December 2, 2019 at 1:30 pm. with Rev. Jeff Cottingham officiating.

Private interment will take place in Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska.

Memorials may be given to the family or Trinity Lutheran Church.