Murrie Ann Tompkins Gibson

Murrie Ann Tompkins Gibson Murrie was born to Seth and Rebecca Tompkins in Traverse City, MI on April 13, 1942 and died in her home of 33 years in Clare, MI on July 26, 2016. She is survived by her daughter, Dawn Duddleson, son-in-law, Jim Elder, and granddaughter, Molly Elder; daughter, Shannon Barnes, son-in-law, Peter Barnes, and grandchildren, Maren and Ethan Barnes; son, Christopher Gibson, and granddaughters, Shakira and Audrina Davis; sister, Linda Ligon; and brother-in-law, Dan Denawetz. Her sister, Fran Denawetz, preceded her in death. Murrie’s earliest memories were shaped by an active life in and around the apple and cherry orchards of the family farm on Old Mission Peninsula. At 17, she accepted an invitation to participate in the Miss Peninsula Contest, thinking it would be a good experience, never guessing that she would be crowned the 1960 National Cherry Queen! She played the clarinet in her high school band and continued a lifelong love of music by singing hymns in church and folk songs in the car. She channeled her endless creative energy into ceramics, counted cross-stich, and quilting. She was a textile artist and made her living for many years as a weaver, producing beautiful altar cloths for churches all over Michigan. Her faith was strong, and she was very involved in her church. She was a passionate teacher: to her children and grandchildren, to kids with disabilities, to weavers and crafters, to Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, and for 16 years, as an elementary school teacher’s aide. She loved “her” Detroit Tigers, card and board games (Euchre, Sorry, and especially Hearts!), and nature (birds, flowers, and gardens). Over the last decade she became involved in historical reenactments, especially of the French and Indian War era, which combined her love of teaching, camping, crafts, and good natured fun. She was intensely interested in people and their stories and could strike up a conversation with anyone, anytime. She was especially enthusiastic about keeping up with her many friends (some going all the way back to childhood), her nephews and nieces and she absolutely reveled in being a grandmother! She built a supportive, loving, and extensive network of friends during her many years in Clare. Services include the Visitation at the Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home on Friday, August 5, from 4:00-8:00 PM (1005 N McEwan St, Clare, MI); Funeral Service at the Clare United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 6, at 11:00 AM (105 E 7th St, Clare, MI); and an Open House on Saturday, August 6, from 5:00-9:00 PM (608 Cottage St, Clare, MI). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Heifer International or the Old Mission Peninsula Historical Society Memorial Tree Program.

Murrie Ann Tompkins Gibson

April 13, 1942 - July 26, 2016