Karen L. (Gilbert) Gibbs, of Red Lion, peacefully went to her eternal home in the morning hours of September 3, 2024 at the age of 74 after a courageous fight against cancer. She was the beloved wife of Michael H. Gibbs, with whom she shared 51 years of marriage, having wed on June 23, 1973. Karen was born in Teaneck, NJ on March 29, 1950 to the late Ralph D. and Virginia (Bender) Gilbert. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Penn State in 1972 and later pursued a Master's degree in School Counseling from Millersville University, graduating in 1993. Karen dedicated her career to guiding students as a school counselor at South Eastern School District, where she worked until her retirement in 2007. Karen found immense pleasure in the simple beauty of nature. She spent countless hours tending to her garden, nurturing her flowers and plants. She loved watching wildlife and feeding the birds outside. Karen enjoyed spending her free time sewing and quilting as well. An avid reader, she found solace and joy in the pages of her favorite books. She was a devoted wife, mother, and Nana to her grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly. She cherished the memories they created together. Karen was a member of Mt. Zion United Church of Christ. Besides her husband, Karen leaves her daughters, Amy M. Davis and husband, Daniel Bramos of Hollywood, MD, and Beth E. Gibbs of Jenison, MI. She will be missed by her grandchildren, Sarah Davis of Santa Fe, NM, Katherine Davis of Hollywood, MD, and Leo Davis of Hollywood, MD. She leaves her sister, Patricia Janusz and husband, Jack, of Plant City, FL, her brother-in-law, David Gibbs of Stewartstown, and her nephews, Scott Janusz and wife, Tanee, of Slidell, LA, Nicholas Gibbs and partner, Jessica Whorl, of Glen Rock, and Thomas Gibbs, Jr. and wife, Juliana, of Ft. Carson, CO, as well as her cat, Max.

A time to visit with friends and family will take place on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Mt. Zion United Church of Christ, 1054 Ridgewood Road, York, PA 17406 at 10:00 am. A celebration of life will begin at 11:00 am with her pastor, Rev. Amy Northridge, officiating. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Wagner-Elfner and Burg Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 134 W. Broadway, Red Lion, is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be offered in Karen's memory to the following organizations: Mt. Zion United Church of Christ, 1054 Ridgewood Road, York, PA 17406, Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17604, or Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, 2102 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601.