Ruth Mann Gibson of Gainesville, VA, died December 31, 2017, surrounded by family. She was 88.

Born January 30, 1929, in Boston to Margaret Mann (née Roche) and George Mann, Ruth Virginia Mann was raised with five siblings in West Roxbury, MA, and graduated from Girls Latin School (1946). Ruth married Charles W. Gibson of Boston, a graduate of Boston Latin School (1946) and Boston College (1950), at St. Theresa's Chapel in West Roxbury on October 13, 1951. After marrying, the couple lived in Norwell, MA, and went on to become long-time residents of Marshfield, MA. Ruth was a real estate broker in Marshfield for a number of years. Widowed in November 1987, she moved to Newton, MA, then Osterville, MA, and in 2011, Gainesville, VA.

Ruth was a proud mother of five children — Mary Lou Hinkle of Lebanon, NH; Gerard C. Gibson of Honolulu, HI; Pamela J. Fagan of Centreville, VA; Andrew J. Gibson of Lyme, CT; and, David R. Gibson of Great Barrington, MA. She was a wonderful mother-in-law to the late Allen J. Hinkle, M.D.; Sandra K. Gibson; Kevin J. Fagan; Katherine J. Gibson; and Anne C. Gibson. Ruth was a loving grandmother to seven grandchildren — Melisse P. Lombard of Boston, MA; Drew D. Fagan of San Diego, CA; Rebekah J. Gibson of NYC,NY; Alexander C. Fagan of Arlington, VA; Meredith A. Gibson of NYC,NY ; William W. Gibson of Lyme, CT; and John C. Gibson of Lyme, CT.

Ruth — also known as Mimi or Red — was a friend to everyone who met her. She loved chatting in person and on the phone, and playing cards. If you played cards with Ruth you knew her competitive spirit. She was one of the most beautiful people you could ever hope to meet - open, generous, calm, caring, friendly and loving. Though slight in stature, she was a strong woman who loved life and people. Anyone who met her will no doubt recall her trademark greeting, "Hello, deah, " delivered with a pronounced, traditional, Boston accent. She will be missed by all who had the good fortune of knowing her and spending time with her, and especially by her loving family.

A private family burial is planned in Marshfield, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ruth's memory to one of her three favorite charities — the Home for Little Wanderers in Boston, St. Jude's Hospital for Children, or the Salvation Army.