Melanie Marie Gibson (1970-2021)

GIBSON, JINDRICH, ROGERS

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 1/14/2021 at 10:49:28

MELANIE MARIE GIBSON
Lisbon

Melanie Marie Gibson, 50 years-young, passed away peacefully Jan. 6, 2021, at UIHC, where she fought a courageous and unfair battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer that was diagnosed in December 2020. During this fight, her family was at her side.
Due to the current gathering restrictions, a celebration of her life will be held at a later date, which will include all of those who knew Melanie. Details will be announced when the date is determined. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Critter Crusaders of Cedar Rapids, www.crittercrusaderscr.org or a donation can be made to the family through Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, P.O. Box 167, Iowa City, IA 52244.
Melanie was born Aug. 22, 1970, in Iowa City, the daughter of Earl and Jan (Jindrich) Rogers. As a child, she spent most of her days playing outdoors and more than likely, getting dirty. That is where her love for horses and animals began. Melanie was an accomplished woman who graduated from Iowa City West High School and later went on to receive her degree in business from Hamilton College of Business. Melanie was a hard and dedicated worker. Melanie worked throughout high school and college, where she made many lifelong friendships. She had a positive impact on many. She did not stop there. Her relationship with her mother was full of love, laughter and joy. Melanie was her mother's heart. She also held a special place for her older brother, where she prioritized their relationship even though many miles a part. If you knew Melanie, you knew she loved having a younger sister, who was also her lifelong best friend, human diary and partner-in-crime. Their love and bond was radiant and one of a kind.
Melanie met her soulmate, John Gibson, in Iowa City where they were employed in 1988. The couple married on Aug. 18, 1990, at the Methodist Church in Shueyville, Iowa. The couple loved life as they loved each other and spent 30 memorable and adventurous years together. It was always "Mel and John" they were inseparable, and eventually made Sutliff their home where they spent countless together enjoying the simple things in life. A part of him went with Melanie the day she passed away as they were each other's better half. They complimented and completed one another.
Melanie became employed at RR Donnelley in 1994. She loved her job and those she worked with and considered them family. She was planning on being back to work as soon as possible, despite her recent health problems. Nothing stopped her from working, no matter what she was going through. Melanie was dedicated to her role as a print production account specialist, working for RR Donnelley for 26 years at the time of her death. She formed many friendships during her 26-year career.
Besides spending time with her family and friends, Melanie had a passion for the great outdoors. Melanie enjoyed gardening and spending time with her horses as well as kayaking, boating, fishing, mushroom hunting, and spending time on the river with her husband and friends. All animals held a special place in her heart, especially her pets at home, two cats, Lenny and George and one dog, Barrett.
Nothing in the world made her happier than the day she became an aunt, "Auntie M." to her nephew, Grayson. She had a bright, caring and energetic personality. She touched lives everywhere with her kindness, generosity and passion for life. Her mother and siblings said that she was their rock and the glue that kept them together. The world is a better place because of her beautiful soul.
She will be deeply missed by her husband, John Gibson of Lisbon, Iowa; her mother, Jan Rogers of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; her brother, Mike (Paula) Rogers of Gulf Shores, Ala.; her sister, Melissa Rogers of Lisbon, Iowa; a sister-in-law, Dayna Harrington; her nephew, Grayson; and her niece, Kylee.
She was preceded in death by her father, Earl Rogers; and her adopted dog she loved to no end, Champ.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lensingfuneral.com, where you may share a memory of Melanie.