Former Kalkaska resident , Zoe Gibbons Custer has died at age 100. She was born March 30, 1908 to Ashley and Louise Gibbons of Kalkaska County. Zoe passed away in her sleep at the Eaton County Community Hospice House on July 31, 2008. Zoe married Thomas B. Custer September 23, 1923 and had 10 children. She worked for many years with her husband in the family lumber and sawmill business located in Sharon.

After the death of her husband in 1955, she gave the family homestead and business to her son, Bill, while she sought work at various place,s including the Fred Bear Archery in Grayling and working several years as a home care giver on Bois Blanc Island. Zoe retired in her late 70s and moved to Manton, Michigan to be near her daughters. In 1989, she moved to Soldotna, Alaska, where she stayed until 1997, when she moved from Alaska back to Eaton County, MI with her daughter Viola. Preceeding her in death are her husband, Tom; son, George (Bill) Custer; daughters Jean Wheeler and Della Jane Custer. Surviving are daughters Ruby Wilkerson of Manton, MI, Leona (Sis) Newburg, Stanton, MI, Leota Custer (Jerry) St. Clair, MI, Joyce and Percy Angel of Fife Lake, MI, Viola Green of Springport, MI, Delores Anderson (Chick) Roscommon, MI, Lyle Custer (Jake) Bristol Bay, Alaska. Zoe also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great- grandchildren and great great-great-grandchildren spread throughout the entire U.S. Besides visiting with her family and reminiscing of days gone by, Zoe loved to read, quilt and crochet. Her stories and witty humor will be greatly missed. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Eaton Community Hospice at 2675 Cochran, Charlotte, MI 48813. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.