Kathleen M Vibe

Kathleen Marie (Gemmell) Vibe was born on March 3, 1942 in Bakersfield, California to Julia (Pedersen) and Gifford Gemmell.  Younger sister, Sheila came along 4 years later.  Kathleen attended schools in Bakersfield, graduating from Bakersfield High in 1959.  Kathleen went on to attend the alma mater of her parents, the University of Redlands.  Kathleen was months shy of obtaining her degree when she was swept off of her feet by handsome Marine, Paul Vibe.  The two secretly eloped to Las on October 22, 1962, much to the chagrin of her parents.  

Kathleen was devoted to Paul, and his adventurous spirit which took them to Alaska as newlyweds.  There they had two sons, Erik and Matthew.  The family returned to Bakersfield where the youngest child, Juliet was born.  Paul and Kathleen ran Vibe’s Market in Arvin, California for several years, returning to Bakersfield in 1977.  Kathleen went back to college and obtained a degree in business.  Kathleen worked as a loan officer at Kern Central Credit Union.   At Kathleen’s insisting, the Vibe’s were active members in All Saints Episcopal Church.  Kathleen devoted her free time to taking care of her son Matthew and spending time with her son Erik and his family, especially enjoying her time with her grandchildren.

Kathleen, Matthew and Paul moved to Powell, Wyoming in 1995 to be close to Juliet and her young family.  Kathleen was selfless in offering her time and energy to her grandchildren.  Paul and Kathleen were members of St. Barbara’s Catholic Church.  
Paul and Kathleen suffered a terrible loss of their son Matthew in 2010.  Matthew had Cerebral Palsy and lived with his parents all of his 43 years.  Kathleen had a very special relationship with Matthew, who was a Joy to everyone who knew him.  

Kathleen had a strong faith in Jesus Christ and enjoyed spending daily quiet time reading scripture and devotions.  Kathleen was never short on words of praise and encouragement to her children and grandchildren, who will miss her terribly.  

Kathleen died on Saturday, August 1, 2015, in Billings, Montana after a brief illness.  Kathleen is survived by her husband of 52 years, Paul; son Erik (Valerie) Vibe of Bakersfield, California; daughter Juliet (Terry) Fish of Powell, Wyoming, along with the lights of her life; grandchildren:  Christine, Alison, Anita, Grayson, Alexandra, Kelsey and Christopher (CJ) – and great-grandchildren:  Audrey, Tatum, Zoe, Jackson and Olivia.  Kathleen is also survived by her brother-in-law Marlan (Debbie) Proctor Jr. , nephew Marlan Proctor III (Tina) and niece Emily (Eric) Hays.  

Kathleen was preceded in death by her dear sister, Sheila Proctor, and son Matthew.  

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Serenity House of Powell.