Opal Jean Tibbs

Opal Jean Tibbs

Opal Jean Tibbs, 88, Topeka, died Thursday, November 24, 2016, at Aldersgate Village, Topeka. She was born March 14, 1928, at Silver Lake, the daughter of Harry and Helen (Doughtery) Niles.

She was a member of the Wesleyan Church for many years. She was a cook-baker, artist, published writer, jewelry maker, and ceramics artist.

Opal was married to Marvin L. Tibbs, Sr. on January 28, 1953, at Kansas City, Missouri. He preceded her in death on July 22, 2009. She was also preceded in death by a great-grandson, Wyatt Allensworth on January 25, 2007; granddaughter, Kelli L. Holle, on June 9, 2016; her parents; two sisters: Hope and Pauline; and a brother, Paul.

Surviving are seven children: Pat Shoemaker (Gary) of Topeka, Lois Lake-Dornbrook (Bob) of Sun City Center, FL, Helen Allensworth (Steve) of Merriam, John R. Wyatt (Lori) of Mississippi, Debbie Gorton (Tim) of Topeka, Cindy Holle (Alan) of Pike Road, AL, and Marvin L. Tibbs, Jr. (Robin) of Topeka; seventeen grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and 32 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, November 29, 2016, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Avenue, Topeka. Interment will be in the Czech-Moravian Cemetery, Rossville.

Opal will lie in state after 3:00 PM, Monday, at the funeral chapel where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:30 pm, Monday.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Aldersgate Village Good Samaritan Fund, 7220 SW Asbury Drive, Topeka, KS 66614.