Obituary of LaNieta Garbutt

Niety Garbutt, of Abington Township, peacefully succumbed to a long illness on January 24, 2013. She was born LaNieta Hall to the late William Hall and the late Frances Lydick Hall, formerly of Roslyn and Port St. Lucie, FL. She graduated from Abington Senior High School in 1961. She and Jim Garbutt were married and residents of the Overlook Hills neighborhood in Abington for nearly fifty years. Their loving marriage produced two wonderful daughters, the late Wendy Garbutt and Beth Garbutt Poley. She was the proud grandmother of Darren and Beth Poley's seven children: Emma, Beatrix, Margaret, Helen, Wendy, T.R., and G. Adam Poley. Her greatest pleasure was spending time with her grandchildren. Niety's career as a sign language interpreter spanned thirty years. She gave generously of her time and herself to the many deaf students for whom she was an interpreter. After earning her Associates Degree at Philadelphia Community College, she worked for the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit. Many former students have expressed their gratitude for her skills, her compassion, and her position as a role model for them. Her work as an interpreter also included Abington Presbyterian Sunday School, many weddings, births, and medical events. During her lifetime she was also a Girl Scout leader in the Overlook Hills troop, and an avid member of the Women's Bible Study of the Calvary Chapel. In addition to her beloved husband, daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren, Niety is also survived by her sister, Ginny Miller, of California and by many nieces and nephews. Niety will continue to be loved and remembered by her family, friends, and the Deaf community. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 28, 2013 at Calvary Chapel, 13500 Philmont Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. Friends will be received from 10:15 until the time of the services. A reception will follow the service. Interment will be held privately. At Niety's request, in lieu of flowers, donations made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Delaware Valley, 600 Reed Road, Suite 104, Broomall, PA 19008 in the name of her grandson, Adam Poley, will be greatly appreciated.