Rhoda E. Gibson, nee Hagar, 93, of Collinsville, Ill., born January 27, 1920, in Farber, MO., died Wednesday, October 23, 2013, in Collinsville, IL.

Rhoda was a graduate of the Vandalia, MO., High School in 1938, Culver-Stockton College in 1942, St. Louis Institute of Music in 1953, and had additional graduate study at Chicago Musical College, University of Missouri in Columbia, MO., Washington University in St. Louis, MO., and Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, IL.

Mrs. Gibson was retired from a teaching career of 39 years. She taught Vocal Music in Plymouth, IL., Waukee, IA., Vandalia, MO., and for 35 years in the Collinsville School District. She was a member of the Collinsville First United Methodist Church, Illinois Retired Teachers Association, Madison County Unit 3, Collinsville Area Christian Women''s Club where she was the pianist, Mu Phi Epsilon Music Fraternity and the Sigma Kappa Sorority, Beta Mu chapter.

In addition to teaching music, Rhoda has been associated many years with directing or playing in area churches: First United Methodist Church and Christ Unity Church in Collinsville, Hollywood Heights Baptist Church and the E. St. Louis First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She has also been vocal soloist for church and club programs. She was the director of the Collinsville Music Makers Choir since 2000. Her hobbies have been collecting miniature vases during vacations throughout America, Canada and Mexico, and also researching genealogy. Rhoda was the recipient of the 2012 Spirit of Excellence Award in Collinsville.

Rhoda Hagar and Harry Gibson were married March 19, 1949, in Collinsville, IL., and together they developed a beautiful farm and riding stables in the Hollywood Heights area.

She was preceded in death by her husband Harry, who passed away January 11, 1977, her parents Marshall and Lettie, nee Day, Hagar and her dear friend Mary Ethel Pugh.

She is survived by a daughter, Debbie Juhl, grandsons Shawn and Justin Geiler of Stratford, OK., granddaughter Kirshell (Andrew) McClannan of Omaha NE., and her great grandchildren: Lane, Paige and Claire McClannan.

In lieu of flowers, Rhoda''s wishes are for contributions to be made to the First United Methodist Church in Collinsville or to the Billhartz Animal Shelter.

Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, October 27, 2013, at the Herr Funeral Home in Collinsville, IL.

Funeral: Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, October 28, 2013, at the First United Methodist Church in Collinsville, IL., with the Rev. Mark Horn and Rev. Dr. Lloyd Shaw officiating. Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery, Collinsville, IL.