Petronilla “Nellie” Giebler, 85, Hays, died Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at her home.
She was born August 22, 1935, southwest of Antonino, Kansas, the daughter of Peter and Sophie (Pfannenstiel) Leiker. Nellie attended Girls Catholic High School and was a graduate of Hays High School in the class of 1953. On June 20, 1953, she was united in marriage to Harold James Giebler at St. Joseph Catholic Church. They celebrated 64 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on December 31, 2017. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and the Daughters of Isabella Circle #254. Nellie was a homemaker and longtime community volunteer, earning the Hays Citizen of the Year award in 2007. She volunteered at the Community Assistance Center for more than 30 years, Hays Medical Center, was a 4-H leader, election poll worker, and Saturday bingo volunteer at Hays Good Samaritan Society. She was an avid reader, and enjoyed sewing and flower gardening. Her faith was central in her life and she was a longtime perpetual adorer and sang in the church choir.
Survivors include her son: Andrew Giebler and wife Tara of Benton, four daughters: Cecilia Burke and husband Marty of Lawrence, Rose Coon and husband Steve of Topeka, Teresa Schrant and husband Larry of Hays, and Barbara Gonzalez and husband Mike of Wichita, 18 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harold, infant son: Stephen Giebler, and five siblings: Yette, Leo, Effie, Norbert and Mary Lou.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Monday, August 9, 2021, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, with Fr. Nick Parker officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Sunday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Monday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 6:00 pm followed by a vigil service at 7:00 pm, all on Sunday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to Hospice of HaysMed, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, or to the Community Assistance Center. Condolences and memories of Nellie may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com