Robert B. Tibbetts was born on March 13, 1923, in Moab, Utah, to Joseph and Deane Tibbetts. Bob’s wonderful sense of humor filled the lives around him with so much laughter and joy. He told the stories of our heritage with pride that was contagious. He loved Moab and instilled in his family a respect for the place that he called home.
He was a veteran of WWII, serving in Europe and Germany, learning to drive a tank long before learning to drive a car. He received an honorable discharge from the United States Army in March 1946.
Bob married Hallie Young of Fort Smith, Arkansas, on February 19, 1944. Born of this union were five children: Robert (Lynn) Tibbetts, Stephen aka “Cap” (Diane) Tibbetts, Nancy (Wayne) Inskeep, Susan (Mike) Swasey and Jennifer (Rholand) Murphy.
Bob passed away peacefully in his home on March 26, 2017. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Hallie Tibbetts; sisters Bonnie Tasler and Cheryl John; his five children; 15 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and one great-grandchild on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Deane; brothers Tom, Ted and Darrell; a sister, Betty; a son-in-law, Mike Swasey; daughter-in-law Lynn Tibbetts; a grandson, Carson Swasey; and great-granddaughters Zoey Swasey and Haven McCandless.
His spirit of adventure and love of the desert will continue to live on through his family for generations to come. He was the best teacher that anyone could have asked for, he lived to the fullest and loved unconditionally. He will be missed.
A funeral service will be held on April 1, 2017, at 11 a.m., with a viewing starting at 9:30 a.m., at the Moab LDS 400 North Chapel, 475 W. 400 North. Interment will follow at the Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com.
