Yvonne Mills Gibbons

Our sweet mother, Yvonne Mills Gibbons, 89, returned peacefully to her Parents in Heaven on December 18, 2025, surrounded by those she loved most. Born March 2, 1936, in Show Low, Arizona, Yvonne was the eldest daughter of Gilbur Mills and Neola Reidhead. She was raised with the resilient spirit and deep roots of the Arizona high country.

Throughout her life, Yvonne placed a high value on higher education, a passion that began at Northern Arizona University. It was there she rekindled a connection with a close friend from home, Robert Ray Gibbons of St. Johns. Their marriage began a lifelong partnership of shared purpose and global adventure.

As the wife of a U.S. Foreign Service officer, Yvonne was the courageous heart of their home as they navigated three decades across the world. In 1966, she moved her young family to Baghdad, Iraq. Just a year later, during the Six-Day War of 1967, she and Bob expertly managed the evacuation of their two small children (Michael and Bryn) to Tehran, Iran – an incredible feat of resilience, as she was pregnant with her son Kevin at the time. Her strength remained a constant through subsequent assignments in Venezuela (where son Chris was born), Peru (where daughter Caryn was born), Uruguay, Nigeria, Pakistan, Guatemala, and Mexico.

In every country, Yvonne moved with grace, embracing new cultures while providing a steady, loving sanctuary for her five children. She served faithfully in different church callings in each country they lived in, dedicating her time and talents to strengthen the local congregations where they resided. Her home was always filled with the sound of music, a gift she shared generously and used to bring joy to her family, church, and community. An accomplished musician, she played the piano and harp, and loved to sing.

Upon their retirement from public service in 1994, Yvonne and Bob continued to dedicate their lives to church service and the gospel. They served missions in the Family History Centers in Mesa, Arizona and Bogota, Colombia. A highlight of their service was their call to the Temple Presidency in Villahermosa, Mexico, where Yvonne served with her characteristic devotion. Following their return, she continued her faithful service in the Mesa LDS Temple for ten years. She remained deeply engaged in Family History work and her focus on family until the very end.

Yvonne was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years, Robert Ray Gibbons; her parents, Gilbur and Neola; and her sisters, Darla and Danette.

She is survived by her sisters, Norene Butler and Chanda Hunt; her five children: Michael, Bryn (Sherri), Kevin (Gaby), Chris (Cynthia), and Caryn Warren (Rick); twenty-four grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren. Her legacy of faith, music, and unconditional love will be cherished by all who knew her.

Funeral Service Saturday, December 27, 2025 10:00 AM LDS Chapel 1852 N Stapley Drive Mesa, Arizona

Final Resting Place Saturday, January 3, 2026 11:00 AM Show Low Cemetery Show Low, Arizona

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.