02/07/2026
Helen Pauline “Polly” Gibbens, the youngest of seven children, was born on December 23, 1952, to Frederick Allen Troxel and Eileen Lucille (Johns) Troxel.
Polly was married to Michael O. Martin, with whom she had their daughter, Samantha. She later married Roy A. Gibbens, Sr., with whom she had their son, Roy A. Gibbens, Jr.
Polly was a deeply creative soul. She loved crafting and sewing and was especially gifted at crochet—creating beautiful pineapple-pattern tablecloths and delicately crocheting her granddaughter’s christening gown, bonnet, and booties. She was also musically talented, playing the accordion, piano, and organ. Polly served as a piano teacher in the small town of Bolckow, Missouri, where she raised her young family.
She found joy in gardening and canning and loved cooking and baking. Once, when a neighbor asked if they could borrow some “scratch” because they loved her cookies so much, Polly laughed and explained that her recipe was made from simple staple ingredients.
She was preceded in death by her father, Frederick A. Troxel, Sr.; her mother, Eileen Lucille (Johns) Troxel; her brother Derwood F. Troxel and his wife Betty; and her brother-in-law Stanley F. Stanley.
Polly is survived by her daughter, Samantha L. Martin-Szabo; her son-in-law, Kevin P. Szabo; her son, Roy A. Gibbens, Jr.; and her cherished granddaughter, Azaria R. Szabo. She is also survived by her brothers Frederick A. Troxel, Jr. (Roma), Richard E. Troxel, and Arthur L. Troxel (Glenna); her sisters Lydia E. McDowell (Mike) and Sandra E. Stanley; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Polly was deeply grateful for her faith, family, and friends. She passed peacefully with family by her side on January 29, 2026.
A graveside service will be held on February 8, 2026, where Polly will be interred next to her parents at Osawatomie Cemetery in Kansas. A Celebration of Life luncheon will follow.
