Myna Hughes Gibbens

MADISON- Myna Ione Hughes Gibbens, age 88, of Madison, died Wednesday, May 11, 2016, at Meriter Hospital in Madison, after an illness of two months. Born to Russell Santford Hughes and Lois Edna (Allen) Hughes on Feb. 7, 1928, she grew up in Wayne, Decatur, and Ringgold counties in southern Iowa, and graduated from high school in Kellerton. She received an Associate degree from Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa, and a Bachelor's degree from Simpson College in Indianola. Myna also did graduate work in special education at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in the 1960s. In the late 1940s and early '50s she taught in public schools in Van Wert, Coon Rapids, and Forest City, Iowa, specializing in English and Social Studies. Myna married John Monnett Gibbens on Oct. 4, 1952, at Kellerton. After marriage, she taught in the Flossmoor, Ill., schools. Myna is survived by her sons, Jeffrey and James; her brother, Russell Arvid (Julie) Hughes; her brother-in-law, Dean Gibbens; sister-in-law, Dorothy (Wright) Hughes; and their families. Myna was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; brother, Allen Jackson Hughes; sister, Myrna (Robert) Ailene Johnson; brother, Arlen Franklin Hughes; sister-in-law, Martha Ann (King) Gibbens; aunts and uncles; and many cousins of her generation. Myna will be remembered for her tireless support for her family, notably her son James, for whom she was the principal advocate. She was active in the Brancel-Clarke circle at the First United Methodist church in Madison. Myna took a keen interest in her home, as well as in the culture and architecture of every place she lived, including several European countries. All those who met her were impressed by her commitment and tenacity, especially evident during her illness. A service for family and friends will take place at POWELL FUNERAL HOME, 116 Broad St., North English, Iowa, at 11 a.m. on May 23, 2016, where her ashes are to be buried. At a later date, a memorial service with music will take place at the First United Methodist Church in Madison. Memorials may be made to the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Attn: Katie Williquette, 600 Highland Ave., K4/658, Madison, WI, 53792-6164, or online. Our thanks to the staffs of the UW Pulmonary Clinic, UW Carbone Cancer Center, Meriter Hospital, and the Karmenta Center; and special thanks to Dean Gibbens, Sheila Johnson Mainquist, Neil Johnson, Debra Grobeck Bingham, Melissa Amati, Phil Brace, and the staff of Goodwill for family support. "So nigh is grandeur to our dust, So near is God to man, When duty whispers low, Thou must, The youth replies, I can."—Emerson, from Voluntaries. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420