Rosemary Gibbs

Rosemary Gibbs was welcomed into Heaven on September 16, 2024. She is now with her husband Joseph and surrounded by family, friends and loved ones who have passed before. She lived her elegant 84 years of life courageously and by her direction. Her soul is free and we are all blessed to have a beautiful angel in the heavens above. Rosemary is survived by her adult children Mark, Manuel, Joseph(IV), Kimberly and numerous grandchildren.

Rosemary Trujillo Gibbs was born on March 10, 1940, to her father John Trujillo and mother Mary Rios in San Bernardino, California. She was the eldest daughter of 7 siblings which included John Jr., Ronnie, Rita, Joe, Richard, Robert and Alex. Growing up with her family in San Bernardino, California Rosemary talked about picking oranges with farm workers and knew at a young age her path in life would be different. She respected her Mexican-American family, language and culture. She helped navigate her siblings through the tough world of the 1960s. Rosemary graduated from high school, she was a dance champion and set her heart on a life of adventure.

Rosemary worked as an executive secretary in California and eventually worked for the Marine Corps in California and the Bureau of Land Management in Colorado. She was a hard worker, she was focused and always encouraged her children and grandchildren to pursue higher education to better themself both mentally and professionally. Her words and encouragement have carried her family far and her legacy of personal growth has continued to inspire our family.

Rosemary met and married Joseph Gibbs III later in life. On July 15, 1976 they were married in Camp Pendleton, California and began their journey together which led them to Tuba City, Arizona on the Navajo reservation and eventually to Montrose, Colorado where they settled into their home. She was an avid gardener. You could find her at Camelot Nursery in Montrose or the Home Depot, finding the most colorful flowers for her spring and summer gardens. Rosemary turned Joe’s dirt farm into a beautiful lush flower garden with peach and apple trees. Rosemary loved to exercise and hike, and would often start her day with an early morning walk with her dog Beau. She was a woman of many talents which included quilting and cross stitch. Her artwork proudly hangs in her family’s home and serves as a tangible reminder of how unbelievably creative and intelligent she was. Rosemary loved to read and always had the latest edition of National Geographic, the Smithsonian and the latest bestselling book by her side with a hot cup of tea. As Joe was the guiding light of our family, Rosemary was the comforting hand who prepared and cared for us lovingly on the journey. She made sure we were settled and happy during the trip. 

Rosemary was tough, beautiful and resilient. She adored her family, she loved her quiet time and she lived her life by her own rhythm. There are many lessons she showed us throughout her life. We have been given many gifts by being loved by the most beautiful daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother who walked this earth. 

In honor of Rosemary & Joseph a Celebration of Life for this amazing couple will be held on Monday, October 21, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., in Flagstaff, Arizona, at Norvel Owens Funeral Home, 914 Historic Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001.

For today, in remembrance of Rosemary take care of yourself. Listen to your heart and your soul. Rest when your body needs it. Pray or meditate if you feel unbalanced and find peace in that moment knowing Rosemary is with you.