Vivian L. Gabbert, (The Hugger) 94, died Saturday, September 30, 2017 at Hill Top Home of Comfort in Killdeer. Funeral services for Vivian L. Gabbert will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with Rev. Joe Natwick officiating. Interment will be in Christ Lutheran Cemetery southeast of Dickinson. Visitation will be on Saturday from 8 a.m. to service time.
Vivian was a stay at home full time Mom raising nine children as well as many by association. When her children were in school she worked at JC Penny, was a seamstress at the Kessel Bridal shop, sold Tupperware and Arbonne, a nanny in the Twin Cities area, involved in numerous ways at St. John Lutheran Church and teachers aide at Berg Elementary. She was involved with her children in 4-H, Farmers Union and Boy Scouts. Vivian loved to bake especially poppy seed and caramel rolls, coffee cake and bread. Canning pickles, especially watermelon and dill. She sewed a lot of clothes for the family even some matching dresses for herself and two daughters. Knitting was done for many newborns with booties and sweaters as well as Christmas ornaments for many. A lot of knitting was done while traveling with Arlos. Mom had a very special talent. She always showed that with a hug to show her love for others making them feel loved.
Vivian was born August 26, 1923 to John and Helena (Zander) Luhman in Dickinson, the youngest of nine children. She was raised on a farm southeast of Dickinson where she graduated from Dickinson High School. Vivian married Arlos Gabbert on April 7, 1942 in Dickinson and with this marriage there were nine children. Dave (Beverly) Gabbert, Dickinson, Vernon (Moeko) Gabbert, Clayton, N.C., Wayne Gabbert, Montana City, Mont., Penny Gabbert, Nashville, Tenn., Tracy (Cindy) Gabbert, Glendive, Mont., Sandy (Randi) Perkins, Nashville, Tenn., Dean (Kristie) Gabbert, Dickinson, Kevin (Renee) Gabbert, Bismarck, and Lanny (Linda) Gabbert, Williston. She has 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Arthur, Vernon, William, Arnold and Howard; sisters, Elvira, Mildred and Helen; and daughter-in-law, Linda Gabbert.
