Esther Jean Gibbs

Esther Jean Gibbs, 86, of Uhrichsville, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 28, 2025, at The Inn at Northwood Village in Dover after a period of declining health.

Born September 16, 1938, in Winfield, she was the daughter of the late Rev. Samuel V. and Nellie Ruth (Cline) Huffman. A 1956 graduate of Scio High School, Esther went on to attend Aultman Hospital School of Nursing, where she earned her registered nurse certification in 1959.

Her father lovingly called her “Queenie,” and at just eight years old, she played the piano in his church, where he was the pastor.

Esther was devoted to her two children, Alan and Beth. As a single mother, she filled the roles of both mom and dad—teaching them practical life lessons such as how to mow the lawn, give a confident handshake, and face life with strength and independence. She extended her caring nature beyond her home, becoming known as the “neighborhood nurse,” tending to elderly neighbors and patching up countless childhood scrapes with warmth and generosity.

Her nursing career reflected that same compassion and dedication. She served in various roles at Union Hospital, including floor nurse and afternoon supervisor, and later worked as a scrub nurse and assistant supervisor in the ER and ICU. She also served in surgical recovery at Twin City Hospital. For many years, she worked alongside her late husband, Dr. James L. Peck, DDS, caring for patients recovering from oral surgery under general anesthesia in his dental practice. She completed her career as a nursing manager and patient care coordinator at the former Hospice of Tuscarawas County, retiring in 2008.

Beyond her nursing work, Esther was a passionate leader and organizer. She was a founding member and past president of both the Sweet Adelines of Tuscarawas County and the American Business Women’s Association of Uhrichsville.

Her faith was a guiding force in her life. A lifelong member of First Moravian Church in Uhrichsville, she played the piano and sang with joy and devotion.

In 2007, Esther decided to give love one more try and married the late John “Jack” Gibbs. Together, they enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Florida, where she especially loved boating and fishing.

She is survived by her daughter, Beth (Brad) Durnell of Columbus; her son, Alan (Lisa) Welch of New Philadelphia; siblings, Marilyn (Doug) Thompson of New Smyrna Beach, Florida and Samuel V. Huffman, II of Brentwood, Tennessee; brother-in-law, David Rousculp; and numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to her parents, Esther was preceded in death by two husbands, Dr. James L. Peck and John “Jack” Gibbs; and siblings, Mary Jo Green, Naomi Miller, and Carolyn Rousculp.

Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia on Sunday, May 4 from 2 to 5 p.m. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Monday, May 5 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Matthew Roe officiating. Burial will follow in Clay Union Cemetery at Gnadenhutten.

In honor of Esther’s compassionate service in hospice care, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Ohio’s Hospice Truman House, 716 Commercial Ave. SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.