Raelene J. Gibbons
June 7, 1935 ~ June 17, 2018
Raelene Joan (Atchey) Gibbons was born June 7, 1935 to Edna (Tenner) and Raymond Atchey, both of whom preceded her in death. Raelene lived most of her early years in Chicago and attended Catholic schools. Raelene graduated from Lady of Lourdes Catholic High School. She worked for some years in Chicago as a Legal Aid for a local law firm. Raelene was married in 1952 and the marriage produced five children: Kevin, who with his wife Elizabeth, lives in Antioch, Illinois; Scott, who proceeded her in death in 1978; Kelly Benedict, who lives in New Braunfels; Susan, who with her husband Todd Ommen, lives in Schaumburg, Illinois; And Sharon, who with her husband Lyle Schott, lives in New Braunfels.
Raelene had six grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Corey, and Jack Gibbons; Samantha and Michael Ommen; and Stephanie (Schott) Zapata. She also had eight great grandchildren.
Raelene and her children moved to the far south suburbs in 1975. Shortly after, Raelene began her career working with special needs individuals. She continued this work for many years.
Raelene moved to Texas in 1992 and after settling in Richmond/Rosenberg (outside Houston) she continued her efforts for special needs clients. Her work, as before, centered on finding job opportunities for the individuals. Often, these jobs would provide responsibility, a sense of worth, and freedom for the clients. At the same time, the public became more aware of the value of these individuals.
After Raelene retired in 2000, she moved to Pilot Point, in North Texas. For the last 10 years she has split her time in the homes of her three daughters; Kelly in Conroe, Susan in Schaumburg, and Sharon in New Braunfels.
Beginning six years ago, injuries and illnesses began to take their toll on Raelene. Ultimately, cancer came. Between the disease and the treatment, she slowly slipped away. The end came June 17, 2018 when she passed from this life.
A memorial service will be held at Peace Lutheran Church, 1147 S. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels at 6 pm on Tuesday, June 26th.
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My condolences to the Gibbons families. I’m sorry to hear about the loss of dear Raelene. Some Bible scriptures that have helped me during times of loss include Isaiah 26:19 and Psalm 37:28,29 which states in part: “Your dead ones will live…They will rise up”. And the Bible also says “The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will forever reside upon it”. Therefore the Bible promises that we may be reunited with our loved ones lost in death by means of an earthly resurrection. This is further confirmed by John 5:28,29 which says “Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out”. This is possible thanks to Jesus Christ’s ransom sacrifice. Thus we have a genuine hope of everlasting life in a world without wickedness or suffering. I hope that these scriptures will be of some comfort to you.