Billy Lloyd Gibbens

Billy Lloyd Gibbens, 90, was welcomed home to the Lord on May 25, 2026, after a courageous battle with colon cancer. Billy was born on October 4, 1935, to Herold and Lillian Gibbens and grew up on the family dairy farm, where he learned early the value of hard work, honesty, and a life rooted in family and faith.

He attended Knowlton Heights Elementary and graduated from Marsing High School in 1954. Billy went on to Boise Junior College, studying accounting before joining the National Guard training in San Antonio as a medic. After his training was complete, he also worked for the U.S. Forest Service. Both experiences gave him adventures he loved to recount—stories told with his trademark humor, warmth, and twinkling smile.

When his father passed, Billy returned home to run the family farm and dairy, as well as to help with some of his younger siblings at home. In the early summer of 1962, he met the love of his life, LaDonna Kock, while she was working at Marsing Drug. They married on October 7, 1962, and together built a life centered on hard work, faith, and the joy of raising their three daughters: Alicia, Amanda, and Alison.

Billy and LaDonna continued to operate the dairy while actively serving their community. Billy held positions in the Marsing School District, including the Marsing School Board and the Marsing Disaster Board. His commitment to service extended to Zion Lutheran Church in Nampa, where he participated on numerous boards and committees and formed lifelong friendships.

As the years went on, Billy and LaDonna treasured an Alaskan cruise, lively bus trips to the McCall Snow Carnival, and travels throughout the United States to be present for family weddings, graduations, and the many celebrations that brought their loved ones together. The family hayrides with in-flight snacks and beverages are a highlight that will continue to be cherished in years to come.

Family was the heart of Billy’s world. He was happiest with a grandbaby or great‑grandbaby in his arms—rocking, snuggling, or simply soaking in the joy of being surrounded by the generations he loved so dearly. Summers at the farm became treasured memories for his grandchildren and great‑grandchildren: learning to drive the tractor, feeding the cows, setting siphon tubes; allowing them to discover the simple magic of farm life under Grandpa’s patient guidance. Those adventures, big and small, became stories they will carry for a lifetime.

Having been blessed with a house full of girls, Billy also cherished time spent at deer hunting camp, where the camaraderie, the stories around the fire, and a well‑earned Snickers bar were all part of the tradition. And whether alone or with loved ones, Billy found joy in taking long drives down any random road, exploring the countryside with quiet curiosity and contentment.

A treasured family tradition was gathering everyone together to hear him read Uncle Remus stories—tales delivered with his warm voice, gentle humor, and the kind of timing only he could pull off. Billy also loved a good game of cribbage, and many family members learned the game at the kitchen table, where laughter and friendly competition were always welcome.

In October 2025, Billy celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by family, friends, and—fittingly—ice cream. He was a loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, and a friend to all. Billy was known for his fun-loving spirit, his easy way of making friends, and his simple, memorable philosophies such as “Bread should be buttered twice,” and “Never say no to a slice of pie or ice cream.”

Billy’s legacy continues with his beloved wife, LaDonna; daughters Alicia (Scott) Schindele, Amanda (Robert) Whitney, and Alison (Andrew) Bicksler; 13 grandchildren; and 10 great‑grandchildren. His kindness, faith, and family devotion lives on in each of them. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

“For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.” —Romans 14:8