Carol J. Gibson-Somsel

GIBSON-SOMSEL, Carol J.
Kalamazoo, Michigan Passed away Sunday, January 4, 2009 at her home. Carol was born in Pontiac, MI, March 13, 1937 to Mabel Edwards. She graduated from Norman-Dickson High School in 1955 and was married to Mel Gibson on January 21, 1956. They lived in Battle Creek, where Carol worked for Gallup Pipe and Supply until they moved to Kalamazoo in 1964, where she worked for Borroughs Mfg. and Mel worked for Crystal Flash Petroleum Corp. on South Westnedge. When the station became self-serve in the early 1970's, Carol started full time with the station. After Mel passed away on October 11, 1995, she stayed just 2 more years and retired in 1997. After retirement, she enjoyed traveling to several places. In 2005, she found her long lost sweetheart, Corwin "Pete" Somsel, and they were married July 15, 2006. In addition to Pete, Carol is survived by her mother, Mabel Edwards; her children, Cindi D. Arthur Laws of Kalamazoo and Robert W. Gibson of Vicksburg; grandchildren, Robert W. Gibson II, Christopher Christina Laws, Kristina Jeff Grey Gibson, Craig Kaila Goodrich Laws and Caron Laws; great grandson, Gavin Laws; step-children, Cindy Gravell of Colorado Springs, CO and Kyna Jo Tim Strauss of Quincy, MI; step-grandchildren, Michelle, Shannon, Alan, Ashley and Chelsea; step-great grand children, Troy and Joshua; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 2:00 PM in the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. with Rev. Dan Minor officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM and also on Thursday beginning at 12:00 PM until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Salvation Army or the American Cancer Society. www.langelands.com 343-1508