Ethel M. (Beineke) Tibbits passed away on September 3, 2013, after a courageous battle with leukemia.

She was born on April 17, 1929, in Salina, Kansas, the only child of Carl and Esther (Peterson) Beineke. She graduated from Smolan High School and attended business school in Kansas City.

Ethel married Cloyce E. Kindall in January 1950. They were later divorced. In August 1972, she married Riley D. Tibbits. They resided in Minneapolis, Kansas.

Ethel was a devoted Christian woman, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was an extremely kind, caring, and forgiving woman and was always available to anyone who sought her advice or just needed a non-judgmental listening ear. Her wheels were always turning, and she used her thoughtful foresight to ensure everything that needed to be done was completed correctly and on time. Through all of her challenges in life, her positive attitude and desire to be independent—as long as physically possible—inspired others. She lived her life leading by example and was a rule-follower who would gently remind others to do the same.

Ethel instilled a strong sense of work-ethic in her children. A dedicated employee, she worked outside the home most of her life. Among those companies were Holsum Bakery, Honorbuilt, Lynch Grain, and Farmers' Elevator. As she neared retirement at the age of 65, she took time for herself by taking painting classes and teaching herself plastic-canvas cross-stitching. Among her cross-stitching accomplishments was a set of Barbie-sized furniture, which she bequeathed to her great-granddaughters. She gave many of her pieces to those she loved, and they are cherished.

As long as she was physically able, vegetable and flower gardening were an important part of her life. She looked forward to growing, canning, and freezing food for use throughout the year, and she was able to keep many of her beloved flowers in her front window through the winter to plant outside again in the spring.

After losing her sight, she continued enjoying life by listening to talking (audio) books and her special television programs and being involved and supportive in all aspects of church and family life.

She embraced the opportunity to travel—near and far—something she didn't have a chance to do until she met Riley. They tried to take annual vacations—from family reunions in Iowa to trips by car, bus, train, plane, or ship to the east, west, north, and south. Ethel and Riley spent many hours just driving around the countryside looking at crops or farm implements. They celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in August 2012 with all of the children and most of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren in attendance. It was a very special day for everyone.

As Ethel's and Riley's health declined, they supported each other in many ways: She was his ears; he was her eyes. During their last few months, when they were not able to live together, they could be heard proclaiming their love for each other over the telephone: An "I love you" on one end; and "I love you, too" on the other. They were great partners in life.

She was preceded in death by her parents and son, Donald, July 12, 2013.

She is survived by her husband, Riley, of Minneapolis; 3 children—Joyce Schaffer (Robert) of Lawrence, KS, Richard Kindall of Prairie Village, KS, and Sharon Kindall of Lawrence, KS; daughter-in-law Nancy Kindall of Salina, KS; 3 step-children—John Tibbits (Rosalee) of Minneapolis, George Tibbits (Linda) of Salina, and Darlene Timmerman of Shawnee; 4 grandchildren; 7 step-grandchildren; 4 great-granddaughters; 7 step-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Melba Bruce; and some cousins.

Her children appreciate everything the Tibbits' family did to include Ethel in their lives. She truly valued those relationships. The family would also like to express their gratitude to her sister-in-law, Melba Bruce, for her compassionate care and enduring friendship after Ethel lost her sight and especially during the last few years following her leukemia diagnosis. In addition, our sincere appreciation to the staff at Ottawa County Hospital for their abundant concern and kindness to both Ethel and Riley during the last few months.

"The most painful tears are not the ones that fall from your eyes and cover your face. It's the ones that fall from your heart and cover your soul." ~Author Unknown. She will be profoundly and painfully missed.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M., Monday, September 9 at the Free Methodist Church, Minneapolis. Visitation will be from 2-8 P.M. at Wilson Family Funeral Home, Minneapolis where the family will receive friends from 3-4:30 P.M. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery, Minneapolis. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Minneapolis Free Methodist Church in care of Wilson Family Funeral Home.