Elizabeth P. Geil

Lydia Elizabeth (Plank) Geil, 94, of Gulfport, MS, passed away on February 25, 2012. She was born May 23, 1917, in West Liberty, Ohio, to Samuel C. Plank and Golda Ellen (Yoder) Plank.
Known to all her friends as Libby, she attended West Liberty High School and was a member of the graduating class of 1935. She graduated from Goshen College in 1942, where she studied for 5 years to earn her Bachelor's degree in education, and she remained a faithful supporter of Goshen College for all of her life. Upon graduation, Libby taught 3rd grade at West Liberty from 1943-1947. She also worked as a volunteer for the Logan County Ration Board during WWII.
Libby came to Gulfport, MS in 1947 as a volunteer public health worker through the Mennonite Church service program. She was assigned to CPS Camp #141 (Camp Bernard) which later that year was moved and re-named Camp Landon. While in the volunteer service, Libby met Clarence W. Geil of Handsboro, MS and they married October 22, 1948.
In 1955, Mrs. Geil began working for the Gulfport Public School system, teaching third and fourth grade, until she retired in 1977. Libby was a member of Crossroads Mennonite Church and later became a member of Gulfhaven Mennonite Church. She was actively involved in their Christian education programs.
Mrs. Geil was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence W. Geil; parents; and one brother, Robert L. Plank. Survivors include one daughter, Sarah K. (Geil ) Dunham and son-in law, Kenneth M. Dunham, of Orville, Ohio; one son, Ronald C. Geil and daughter-in-law, Carrie D. (Cox) Geil, of McHenry, MS; four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held on March 9, 2012, at 2:00 PM, at Gulfhaven Mennonite Church, with a memorial service to begin at 3:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Pine Lake Camp children's scholarship fund, at Pine Lake Fellowship Camp, 10371 Pine Lake Road, Meridian, MS 39307, or Christian Aid Ministries ""Bibles for the World"" fund, at https://www.christianaidministries.org/programs/5.
Libby Geil's encouraging personality, love of God, and compassion for all people will be sadly missed by family and friends. She went to sleep peacefully on Earth and woke up in Heaven to be with her savior.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, MS, is in charge of arrangements, and tributes may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com.