GIBBS, ARLEEN

Arleen Gibbs, Musician and Teacher. After 36 years of declining health, Arleen Smith Gibbs died February 6, 2015 in Westlake, OH.
Born in Cleveland Heights, OH she began taking piano lessons when she was six years old. By the time she was in her teens, she was performing at Conventions and teaching piano to children in her neighborhood. Upon graduation from high school, she received a Piano Scholarship to attend Oberlin College Conservatory of Music.

After having her children, she attended Baldwin Wallace College Conservatory of Music to continue study in Vocal Music and Organ and earned a degree in Organ Performance and Sacred Music. As a Church Organist, she played in many churches in the area.

During her teaching career of fifty years, her students won numerous awards in Regional and National Piano competitions. She taught private lessons at her Westlake studio and at Baldwin Wallace College.

She was a Nationally Certified Member of The Music Teachers National Association, served in various offices of The Cleveland Piano Teachers Club, The Ohio Music Teachers Association, National Piano Teachers Guild, American Guild of Organists and the Fortnightly Musical Club.

Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Robert J., children Dr. James of Daytona Beach, FL, Dr. Kenneth (Claire) of Melbourne, FL, Carol (Robert) Rothacker of Ashburn, VA and grandchildren, Ben and Eric Rothacker.

Burial will be at Knollwood Cemetery in Mayfield Heights, OH followed by a memorial service at a later date.