Tachino “Tashi” Gibson of Midwest City, Oklahoma, passed away from this life on October 12, 2021 at the age of 92. Tashi was born on March 17, 1928 on the island of Hokkaido, Japan. Her family sold fish for a living. She was an excellent swimmer, so as a child she helped her father bring in the nets. At that time in Japan, young girls finished the 6th grade.

When WWII started, she was fourteen years-old, and at that time she went to work in a sewing factory making parachutes for soldiers. She was such a good seamstress that she was promoted to sewing uniforms for senior officers.

After the war, she worked various hard jobs to help support her family. Her luck changed in the early 50s when she met a young, handsome Sgt. Richard Gibson - she said it was love at first sight. When Richard’s service was up, he returned to the States, promising to return for her when he had money for two boat tickets and a proper wedding for them.

It took nine months, but he did return for her, and they built their lives in Del City, Oklahoma. Richard returned to the military, retiring in 1972, and later dying in 1978 from exposure to Agent Orange. Tashi worked in the cafeteria at Tinker Air Force Base and at Oscar Rose as a cook for many years after Richard passed.

She resided at 4012 Lamar Drive until three years ago, at which time she lived at Blue Ridge Place in Midwest City. She was thankful for all the staff that helped her there. Before she passed, Tashi was asked what she would like to be remembered for. She said, “I worked very hard my whole life, and I was a loving and faithful wife to Richard Gibson.”

Visitation will be held from 12:00 PM through 8:30 PM on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at the John M. Ireland & Son Funeral Home & Chapel, located at 120 South Broadway Avenue in Moore, Oklahoma.

Funeral services will begin at 2:00 PM on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at the John M. Ireland & Son Funeral Home & Chapel in Moore. Interment will follow the service at Resthaven Memory Garden, located at 500 SW 104th Street in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.