The best Mom, Grams, Great-Grams and friend went to meet the Lord on March 18, 2009.

Mary Elizabeth (Maribeth) Gibson was born Feb. 16, 1916, in Kansas City, Kan., to Elza Price Gibson and Maude Arminda Bascom Gibson. Her childhood years were spent in Independence where she graduated from Independence High School.

In 1936 she married Robert Wayne Browning in Jefferson City, Mo. They later moved to Chanute after World War II. They had one child, Mary Elizabeth.

After retiring as office manager for Martin Tractor Co. in Chanute she embarked on a whole new career as an artist. Mary, along with three of her dear friends, opened a shop called The Carpetbaggers to showcase local artists in the Chanute area. These ladies were instrumental in the creation of Chanute Art Gallery and Artists’ Alley.

In 1982, after her marriage ended in divorce, she moved to Bakersfield, Calif., and began working at Rambling Rose, creating works of art for many clients. Then in 1987 she moved to Ardmore, Okla., built her cozy little cottage in the country, and enjoyed life traveling and spending time with her long-time companion, Wiltz Trible “Trib” on his cattle ranch. Upon his death in 2002 she moved back to Bakersfield and lived with her daughter.

Mary was a life-time member of First Methodist Church and also held membership at the First Christian Church in Ardmore, Okla., where she was very active.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Patience “Pat” Marie Greninger and Helen Deane Reymore, whom she affectionately called “Beanie,” son-in-law Marvin Daniel “Dan” Weaver, and her beloved friend Wiltz B. Trible.

Survivors include her daughter Mary Elizabeth Camara of Bakersfield, Calif.; grandchildren Jeffrey Austin Weaver and wife Kristi, Jason Avery Weaver and wife Mellissa, and Jennifer Jo Service and husband Ben; great-grandchildren Daniel Robert Weaver, Allyson Taylor Weaver, Austin Avery Weaver, James Nicholas Service; and many nieces and nephews.

Mary loved life and people and was always there for her family and friends. Her unselfish and understanding ways and positive attitude were a testament to her Christian faith. She will be missed by all who knew her, but we will never forget her. She was the best.

A memorial service in Independence is planned for a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Doughty-Calhoun-O’Meara Funeral Directors, Bakersfield, Calif.