Mary Ellen (Barker) Tibbs

Mary Ellen (Barker) Tibbs, 95, of Poplar Bluff, MO passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 19, 2022.

Mary Ellen was born on June 2, 1927, to Arley Dee Barker and Artie May (Brayton) Barker in rural Butler County. She married John Earl Tibbs on January 28, 1946. They were happily married for over 76 years.

Mary Ellen graduated from PBHS in 1944. She attended the Teacher's College in Cape Girardeau and taught at Broseley. She later worked at Ozark Border Electric Cooperative until her retirement in 1992. Mary Ellen was a life-long member of the First Church of God. She served as Sunday School teacher, youth leader, and member of the WCG and choir.

Mary is survived by her husband, John; two children, Janice (Gary) Miller of Poplar Bluff and Gregory (Jolanda) Tibbs of Creal Springs, Illinois; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; four brothers, Arley (Lois) Barker of Lohrville, Iowa, Eugene (Denise) Barker of Poplar Bluff, Kenneth R. Barker of Poplar Bluff, and Art (Linda) Barker of Morris, IL; two sisters, Norma Jean Chatman of Winter Haven, FL, and Sue (Jimmy) Gilbert of Poplar Bluff; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; special caregiver, Evelyn Hackman, who made it possible for Mary Ellen to stay home.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter; brother, William Barker; two sisters, Evelyn Burgin, and Dorothy Patterson.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 22, 2022, from 1:00-2:00pm at First Church of God in Poplar Bluff. Funeral will follow beginning at 2:00pm with Reverend James Duncan officiating. Private burial will take place at Memorial Gardens.

Honorary pallbearers are John Tibbs, Chase Tibbs, Hunter Tibbs, Parker Williams, and Logan Bader.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is proud to serve the family and friends of Mrs. Mary Ellen Tibbs. Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com.