Former Kalkaska resident, Zoe Gibbons Custer has died at age 100. She was born Mar 30, 1908 to Ashley and Louise Gibbons of Kalkaska County. Zoe passed away in her sleep at the Eaton County Community Hospice House on Jul 31, 2008. Zoe married Thomas B Custer Sep 23, 1923 and hand 10 children. She worked for many years with her husband in the family lumber and sawmill business located in Sharon.
After the death of her husband in 1955, she gave the family homestead and business to her son, Bill, while she sought work at various places, including The Fred Bear Archery in Grayling and working several years as a home care giver on Bois Blanc Island. Zoe retired in her late 70's adn moved to Manton, MI to be near her daughters. In 1989, she moved to Soldotna, Alaksa, where she stayed until 1997, when she moved from Alaska back to Eaton County, MI with her daughter Viola. Preceding her in death are her husband Tom; son, George (Bill) Custer; daughters, Jean Wheeler and Della Jane Custer. Surviving are daughters, Ruby Wilkerson of Manton, MI, Leona (Sis) Newburg, Stanton, MI, Leota Custer (Jerry) St Clair, MI, Joyce and Percy Angel of Fife Lake, MI, Viola Green of Springport, MI, Delores Anderson (Chick) Roscommon, MI, Lyle Custer (Jake) Bristol Bay, Alaksa. Zoe also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren spread throughout the entire US. Besides visiting with her family and reminiscing of days gone by, Zoe loved to read, quilt, and crochet. Her stories and witty humor will be greatly missed. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Eaton Community Hospice. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
