Elizabeth A. "Libby" (Skinner) Gough

Elizabeth "Libby" Gough, 81, Terre Haute, IN, formerly of Charles Town, WV, died on January 21, 2018 at Union Hospital. Wife, mother of 6 children, 16 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren, she was an Elementary Art Teacher with a passion for inspiring creativity in children. She taught for Vigo County (IN) and Jefferson County (WV) school districts until retirement in 1999.
Libby was born to John C. Skinner and Margaret Rissler Skinner in Charles Town, WV on August 13, 1936. She graduated from Charles Town High School in 1954, and later moved to Terre Haute, IN to attend Indiana State University. While there, she resided with her beloved Auntie Ann and Uncle Paul Silliman and met her future husband, Donald R. Gough. They married in 1955. Together they had six children. After Don died in 1978, Libby single-handedly raised her children and finished her Bachelors and Masters of Science degrees at ISU.
Libby had many admired qualities, a gentle spirit and quiet strength, the embodiment of a strong woman, and a cheerleader for the empowerment of other women. She was an original feminist.
Everyone marveled at her creativity and artistic talent. She enjoyed painting nature, still life, and contemporary subject matters. She dabbled in photography and sculpture and loved arts and crafts. Multiple art projects were always in the works in her home.
Those who knew her, saw her as a seeker of knowledge and an avid reader of nonfiction. Politics, True Crime, and Goddess Mythology books surrounded her at all times.
Her grandchildren knew her as generous and fun loving. They fondly remember being spoiled at Christmas, Watermelon Parties and cabin camping at Shakamak.
Libby is preceded in death by her late husband, Don, and three of her children, Leslie Gough Dugger (John) and two sons, Greg Gough and Gil Gough (Stacy). Libby is survived by three daughters, Gwen Gough Marden (Ron), Mission Viejo, CA, Darby Gough Bailey, Terre Haute, IN, and Jenny Gough Short (Troy), Dillsboro, IN.
She is also survived by grandchildren, Leanna Hahn Tribaldos, Galen Gough, Erin Gough Griffin, Lindsay Gough, Corey Trhlik, Cameron Gough, Justin Bailey, Becky Bailey Lawson, Jennifer Norris Crews, Jessica Dugger Hill, Jamie Dugger, Nathan Seth, Wyatt Short, Waylon Short and Dylan Short and 21 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Alice Skinner Dyer, Columbia, MD, and Margaret Skinner Miller (Wayne Johnson), Racine, WI, and brothers John C. Skinner (Susan) Charles Town, WV, and Robert Skinner (Laurie), McLaren Vale, South Australia, and many nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be held at Debaun Funeral Home, 85 East Springhill Dr, Terre Haute, IN 47802 on Friday, January 26, 2018 at 3 pm. Visitation is 1-3 pm. The burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.
Online condolences may be left at www.debaunfuneralhomes.com

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