Ellsworth Gibson "Gibb" Newton

Ellsworth Gibson "Gibb" Newton was born June 3, 1918, in Phoenix, Arizona. He left this life at 5:40 p.m. on March 14, after a prolonged decline due to Alzheimer's.

Gibb attended Phoenix Union High School and Ajo High School, and completed assorted professional courses at University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Bale University, and Big Bend Community College. Orphaned before age 17, Gibb began working as a mail boy at Valley National Bank (Chase Bank) in Phoenix. After 35 years, he retired from VNB as Vice President and Division Manager, overseeing hundreds of employees. He then worked for Nevada National Bank (Bank of America), retiring as a Senior Vice President. During his banking career, he also taught many professional financial courses.

In 1939 Gibb met the love of his life, Ella Matthews, on a blind date. They married September 9, 1939. On June 3, 1959, Gibb and Ella were sealed for time and eternity in the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple. Together they raised three daughters and established homes in Arizona, Nevada, Washington, and Utah.

Reared in the Episcopalian faith, Gibb joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1958. He loved teaching the Gospel and served in many positions, including stake missionary, ward clerk, and Sunday School and Priesthood teacher. Gibb was elected president of the Phoenix Junior Chamber of Commerce and volunteered in dozens of community service organizations, including Phoenix City Council, Kiwanis, Arizona Children's Home, Toastmasters, and United Fund. During WWII, Gibb honorably served his country in the army, stationed in the Philippines.

Gibb was preceded in death by his wife, Ella; granddaughter, Julie Anne Rees; son-in-law, L. Dean Rees; mother and father, Archibald William and Athlyn Gibson Newton; his mentor, Aunt Grayce Gibson O'Neill; and cousin, John Gibson. He is survived by his daughters, Ahtlyn Earl (Ira), of Medical Lake, Washington; Bette Jeanne Lang (Michael), of Moses Lake; and Grayce Rees, of Taylorsville. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 18, at noon at the Crosspointe LDS Building, 1325 West 5550 South, Taylorsville, with a viewing, 11 to 11:45 a.m. prior to service. Interment, Valley View Memorial Park. Services under the direction of McDougal Funeral Home.