Toby Leigh Ellerbrock

Leigh Ellerbrock, beloved wife, stepmother, daughter, sister, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, music, and cherished memories.

Leigh had a way of making people feel at home. A gathering felt warmer simply because she was there. She loved being surrounded by people, listening to their stories, sharing a meal, enjoying music, and keeping up with the lives of those she loved.

As the oldest cousin of her generation, Leigh took special joy in watching the younger cousins come along, grow up, and find their way in the world. She kept up with their lives and genuinely cared about what they were doing. Family gatherings were especially meaningful to her, and she was often one of the people who helped bring everyone together.

Music was another important part of Leigh’s life. She loved the Avett Brothers and believed good music was meant to be heard **LOUD!** One of her favorite sayings was, *“Life is short. Buy the damn concert tickets.”* She did not merely say it—she lived by it, making the most of the moments that mattered.

That same enthusiasm shaped the everyday things she loved. Leigh enjoyed cooking and bringing people together around good food. She looked for beauty everywhere and had a deep love for animals. Her pets were often at the center of her life, and she took great pride in spoiling them.

She also loved a good challenge. Every year, Leigh set out to grow the **best tomato ever**, experimenting with different ways to make it happen. There was always something new to try, something to discover, or some small improvement to make.

Leigh had a special way of keeping the people she loved smiling. To her daughters, Amber, Brittany, and Kayla, she was affectionately known as the **“step-monster.”** Her playful sense of humor was an important part of who she was. She did not take herself too seriously and found joy in the little things.

Through all of this, Leigh looked for beauty, found reasons to celebrate, and made room for people. She touched everyone she met in her own way, and those who knew her will carry her stories, her music, her laughter, and her love with them.

Leigh leaves behind her husband, **Denver Gibson**; her mother, **Linda Vanderford**; her brother, **Andrew **Vanderford ; and her daughters, **Amber, Brittany, and Kayla**. She also leaves behind many cousins, family members, loved ones, and friends who will miss her deeply.

She was preceded in death by her father, **Michael Ellerbrock**; her stepfather, **Harris Vanderford**; her grandmother, **Anne Cooper**; and many other family members, loved ones, and friends.

For those who knew Leigh well, perhaps there is no better way to hear her voice one more time than in the words she so often said:

**“I love you more.”**

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