Obituaries

Ann Marie Dodds was born on May 26, 1941, in Sault Ste. Marie, MI to Elmer and Emma Dodds. Ann was an only child and the pride and joy of both of her parents. Ann grew up in Pickford, MI and formed many lifelong friendships that have survived throughout the years. After graduating from Pickford High school, she made the journey to the BIG town of Sault Ste. Marie, MI where she got her first apartment and began working at Arfstrom’s Pharmacy. Ann enjoyed working with the public and maintained her position as a front service clerk for over 25 years, returning some years later to continue her work while raising her family. The Arfstrom’s family was an important part of Ann’s life and the relationships she formed continued throughout the years. Ann enjoyed her work, and, in her retirement, years would often say that what she missed most was “working with the public.”

Ann was a humble soul but not a quiet one. Ann was never afraid to speak her mind and to remain grounded in her values of God, family, and friends. She was a faithful servant in the First Free Methodist church for all her adult life and it was in this very church that she met the love of her life, Richard John Gibbons. After dating for a few years and passing the test of Richard’s faithful K-9 companion, Champ; his beloved German Shepard, Ann and Richard were married on June 26, 1970. Richard “Dick” and Ann created an amazing life of 52 years together with a partnership that was unbreakable. Together they raised two children, Tom and Heidi and it was as a mother that Ann discovered her deepest joy in life. Ann consistently showed her love in every homemade meal, homemade article of clothing and her ability to maintain an amazingly clean house despite every effort from Tom and Heidi to undue her hard work! Ann was the foundation of a life that was built on hard work, determination, and an ability to remain committed to her faith and her family. She never asked for anything and did without a lot of things to provide a wonderful life for all those around her. Ann experienced so many of her accomplishments by helping her family succeed in their own. She was never one to boost but always one to cheer others along as she supported their goals.

It was because of the love, selflessness, and tireless effort of Dick, that Ann was able to remain at home right up until a couple of weeks before her final hospital admission and transfer to the Hospice House of the Eastern U.P. Dick cared for Anne tirelessly and made sure that she was able to attend the daily breakfast gathering at McDonald’s with all their friends right up until her final days. Dick has cared for Ann in a way that truly demonstrates the promise that he made to her on their wedding day; “to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer in sickness and in health.”

Our beautiful, strong, and courageous wife, mother, grandmother, sister-in-law, and friend left this physical world on May 7, 2023, and took her well-earned and rightful place in Heaven’s kingdom. We are comforted in knowing that it was in this transition from her physical body to her heavenly one that she was met by her mom, dad, family, and friends that have been waiting to celebrate Ann and welcome her home. Although she is no longer with us in body, she will forever remain in our fondest memories, laughter, and love for each other.

The family of Ann Marie Gibbons would like to express their deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses, volunteers, Community Action, family, and friends who have provided support and love during these difficult days. It is a true testament of love and care that was shown to our family by the Hospice House of the Eastern U.P. staff which allowed Dick to be Ann’s husband and Tom and Heidi to be her children once again, having fulfilled their role as her caretaker. We will forever be grateful for your love, support, and comfort.

Ann is survived by her husband Richard, son Tom (Tammi), and daughter Heidi (Marc), and six grandchildren: Grace, Oliva, Tyler, Wyatt, Riley and Isaac. She is preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Emma Dodds.

Visitation will be held at the First Free Methodist Church on Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 10 AM-12 PM with the service directly following. A meal will be provided after the funeral service by the First Free Methodist Church. A graveside service will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Free Methodist Church.