Obituary of Sarah E. Tibbetts

Coffeyville - Sarah E. Tibbetts, 98, of Coffeyville, formerly of Wamego, KS, passed away Monday, November 21, 2011 at Windsor Place in Coffeyville. She was born November 13, 1913, at Stockdale, KS to Martin and Sarah (Springer) Gravenstein. She grew up and attended school in Stockdale, graduating from Stockdale High School. She began her teaching career in 1937 at rural schools in Riley County, KS, followed by teaching in Pottawatomie County KS schools. She was a graduate of Emporia State Teachers College. On January 14, 1943, she married Melvin F. Tibbetts at Manhattan, KS. Following their marriage they made their home in Wheaton, KS, where Mrs. Tibbetts continued her teaching career. She completed her teaching career at Wamego elementary School, retiring in 1978. Mr. Tibbetts preceded her in death in 1992. In 1994 she moved to Coffeyville to be closer to her daughter. Mrs. Tibbetts was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Wamego, United Methodist Women, Business and Professional Women, and a life member of Delta Kappa Gamma teaching sorority. After retiring she enjoyed hand painting landscapes and ceramics. Survivors include one daughter, Judith Hiner and husband Larry of Coffeyville; two granddaughters, Jodi Hayse of Independence, KS, and Sherry Higginbotham of Edmond, OK; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, one brother, Walter Gravenstein; and one sister, Margaret Noll. Graveside services will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 26, at the Wamego City Cemetery in Wamego, KS with the Rev. Gately officiating. Friends may call on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. The family will receive friends on Friday from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials to the USD 320 Foundation in Wamego; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.