Kay Tibbetts

Kay Yvonne Hanley entered this world on February 25, 1942, to parents Everett and Bernice (Coartney) Hanley in Mattoon, Illinois. In her youth she enjoyed 4H, girl scouts, family camping trips, trips to the county and state fairs, and spending time with friends. She graduated from Mattoon High School, class of 1960. She married Ronald Kent Tibbetts on December 7, 1963, whom she had first met at a local Steak n’ Shake. They enjoyed spending time with friends while she worked at Cap and Gown, and he worked for the State of Illinois water survey. They raised two daughters, Lori and Christy, in Champaign, and then in Nashua, NH. During these years she enjoyed bowling, bridge clubs, photography, sewing and refinishing antiques purchased from auctions. She spent decades in the workforce helping folks through troubled times to receive unemployment benefits in Illinois, New Hampshire and finally in Ohio. While in Ohio she pursued her interest in quilting and enjoyed good friendships. After retiring, Kay and Ron sold everything, bought an RV, and traveled the US for several years. She particularly enjoyed Luray, VA and Umatilla, Fl. During those Ohio and early retirement years, grandkids started arriving on the scene in Ohio and many visits were made. They eventually bought a home in Leesburg, Fl and sold the RV. Kay joined several quilt guilds and enjoyed donating quilts to veteran’s organizations and for newborn babies. She also enjoyed sewing for the grandkids and visiting with family. Kay enjoyed traveling, and together with Ron, some highlights were Acapulco, Hawaii, Alaska and a European River cruise. She will be missed yet has left each of us wrapped in her love with an original handmade quilt. Kay is preceded in death by her parents Everett and Bernice Hanley, and her sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Glen Meyer. Kay leaves behind her husband of 59 years Ron Tibbetts, her brother Phil (Marianne) Hanley, daughters Lori (Scott) Ernest, and Christy (Neal) Kennedy, grandchildren Angel Nelson, Kaylee Ernest, Jayden Ernest, Anthony Ernest, Harley Ernest, Lily Kennedy, Linus Kennedy, Laurel Kennedy. Also, great grandsons Jeff Lemming and Theodore Hammergren. And finally, Baby the cat. Did we mention she loved cats? Beyers Funeral Home of Leesburg, Florida will be handling the arrangements.

Kay Tibbetts

February 25, 1942 - August 31, 2022