Connie Ann Gibbs (née McCandless)
Connie Ann Gibbs (née McCandless), a devoted mother, grandmother, and servant to her community, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026, at the age of 79.
Born on July 20, 1946, in Springfield, Missouri, Connie was the daughter of the late Max and Reba McCandless. She grew up in Springfield, where she met the love of her life, Danny Richard Gibbs. The two were wed on October 9, 1965, and embarked on a beautiful journey together. Their young married years took them to Nashville, Tennessee, and to Jackson, Mississippi, where they worked side-by-side to build a successful restaurant business. In 1982, seeking a quieter and slower pace of life, they chose to make Branson, Missouri, their home.
Following Danny’s untimely passing on November 20, 1986, she found the strength to keep moving forward, carrying his memory with her every day.
Connie’s faith and community were the pillars of her life in Branson. For many years, she was a deeply involved member of the Branson United Methodist Church, where she poured her heart into serving others. Her warmth and familiar smile became a staple at the church’s thrift shop, where she spent countless hours volunteering, connecting with friends, and giving back.
Family was Connie's ultimate joy. She had recently moved to St. Louis to be near those she held dearest. She treasured every moment spent close to her daughter, April, and son-in-law, Chris, and nothing brought a brighter sparkle to her eye than watching her two beloved grandsons, Weston and Bowen Milne, grow into young men.
Connie will be remembered for her quiet resilience, her steadfast faith, and her unwavering devotion to her family.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Danny; her parents, Max and Reba McCandless; and her younger brother, Larry McCandless.
Her legacy lives on through her daughter, April (Chris) Milne of Twin Oaks, MO; her cherished grandsons, Weston and Bowen Milne; her brother, Dean McCandless and his wife, Nola; her nieces, nephews, and extended family; and a community of friends whose lives she touched with her generous spirit.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Branson United Methodist Thrift Store, 1208 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616 in Connie’s honor to continue supporting the community work she loved so dearly.
There will be a celebration of life reception at Branson United Methodist Church on Saturday, July 25th, 2026 from 2 to 4 pm.