Margaret L. Gibson, 74, of Abilene, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Salina Regional Medical Center in Salina, Kansas.

Margaret was born on June 20, 1952, in Smith Center, Kansas, to George and Arlene Clemison. She grew up in Smith Center and attended Smith Center High School. A trailblazer from a young age, Margaret was one of the first women to attend the Northwest Kansas Technical College (formerly Northwest Central Kansas Area Vocational-Technical School), where she studied Electronics Technology.

For many years, Margaret and her husband, Bill, successfully owned and operated an electronics repair and retail business in Smith Center. Guided by a lifelong passion for learning, Margaret later returned to college, earning her bachelor’s degree in education from Fort Hays State University. She dedicated the remainder of her career to teaching social sciences at several Kansas schools until her retirement. Margaret deeply loved her students and took great joy in coaching Scholar’s Bowl and sponsoring various extracurricular activities.

On June 14, 1970, Margaret was united in marriage to Bill Gibson at the First Christian Church in Smith Center. Together, they shared a beautiful life, raising two daughters and two sons in Smith Center before later relocating to Abilene.

Margaret is survived by her devoted husband, Bill Gibson of Abilene; her daughters, Jennifer Johnson of Wilson, and Angelia Lentz of Manhattan; and her sons, Jonathan Gibson of Hutchinson, and Daniel Gibson of Randolph. She also leaves behind a legacy of love through her nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Margaret will be remembered as a lover of nature, a dedicated educator, and a steadfast pillar of strength for her family and friends. Her memory will live on in the countless stories, smiles, and lives she touched throughout her meaningful journey.

A memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 6th, at Rentschler Family Mortuary, 116 W 1st St, Smith Center, KS.