Barbara Jean Tibbetts, 96, of Traverse City, Michigan, passed away peacefully with her family
by her side on April 6, 2024. She was loved by all and will be sorely missed.
Barbara was born on February 13, 1928, in Clawson, Michigan. Barbara was a beacon of
kindness and always had words of encouragement for those around her. She loved spending time
with family. She was grateful for everything she had, a quality she would maintain throughout
her life.
Barbara found her lifelong partner, Harold Tibbetts, at a young age, and spent seventy plus years
together. After Harold's return from serving in the Navy during World War II, they built a
beautiful life together, nurturing a loving family. Their shared passion for their love of the
outdoors led them to Northern Michigan, where they created memories, camping and exploring
areas like the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Glen Arbor. They also shared adventures sailing the
Great Lakes in their 30-foot Tartan with her Navy man at the helm.
Renowned for her famous Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins, made with love from a humble box,
Barbara's culinary talents were surpassed only by her devotion to family. She found joy in
holiday gatherings, her family's achievements, and treasured her time traveling when the
opportunities arose.
Barbara had a love of books and spending time at the library. She passed on that appreciation to
her children and grandchildren. She ensured that we knew how to use the now outdated card
catalogue and how to navigate the stacks. As a result, one of her preteen grandsons used the card
catalogue to find a books on the subject of: How to talk to girls.
Barbara's career in the medical field as a job placement coordinator for nurses was marked by her
compassion and dedication. She derived immense satisfaction from assisting her colleagues in
finding their ideal career paths. Additionally, her experience in medical transcription and real
estate further showcased her diverse talents and passions.
In her leisure time, Barbara worked on becoming a writer with a focus on recounting her
experiences growing up. She wrote a vivid story for her family about being in a streetcar
traveling through downtown Detroit in the midst of the racial turmoil that erupted in 1943.
Barbara is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harold Tibbetts, and her daughter Cynthia
Hagan, her son-in-law David Mathie, her grandson Thomas Hagan, and great grandchildren
Calvin Tibbetts and Madeline Zimmerman.
She is survived by her children: Dennis (Pam) Tibbetts, Michael (Ruth) Tibbetts, and Heather
Mathie. She is survived by her grandchildren: Erik (Amy) Zimmerman and Ryan (Holly)
Zimmerman, Chad (Aleksandra) Tibbetts, Shannon, and Washakie Tibbetts, Jason (Kathy)
Tibbetts, Travis (Lisa) Tibbetts, Emile Hagan, and Ashleigh Mathie, Jacob (Gabriella) Mathie,
Nicole (Corbin) Schlott, and Monica Mathie.
Barbara is also survived by her great grandchildren: Tiana, Daric, and Jaiden Tibbetts, Brianna
and Hunter Tibbetts, Luna and Cloe Zimmerman, Aiden, Elliot, Oliver, Annabelle Zimmerman,
Madison, Monroe, and Mia Tibbetts, Eleanor and Nicholas Tibbetts, Lee and Addison Mathie.
Barbara was able to greet her newest great grandson; baby Cedar Schlott.
A celebration of Barbara's life will be held July 13, 2024 at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home at 3 pm.
.