Karen W. Tibbs, 73, passed away at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital on May 16, 2024, after a short but arduous battle against metastatic pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded both physically and emotionally in the preceding days by many family members and friends who loved her.
Born as Karen Sue Wolfe on Sept. 24, 1950, to Andrew Coleman Wolfe and Anna Kuhar Wolfe, she remained in her birth town of Morgantown throughout her lifetime. She graduated from University High School in 1968 and with a degree in secondary education from West Virginia University, going back years later to earn her master’s degree and specialize in special education.
On Aug. 15, 1970, she married James Fredrick Tibbs, also from Morgantown, whom she met while working at the Book Exchange in college. They welcomed a daughter and son, respectively, and were able to celebrate 52 years of marriage before his passing in 2022.
Karen is survived by her brother, Leonard Wolfe, of Brookhaven; her sister, Jeanie Claassen, of Atlanta; her daughter, Krista Tibbs, of Morgantown; her son, Chad Tibbs, of Sacramento, Calif.; two grandchildren, Carter Pyles and Alexa Pyles; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom she adored.
In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her sister, Shirley Watts, of Morgantown; her husband, James Fredrick Tibbs; and many beloved family pets.
Karen was a devoted sister, mother, grandmother and friend. She enjoyed her cat, Izzy, reading, jigsaw puzzles, sudoku, needlepoint, family vacations, attending book club with her girlfriends and above all else, spoiling her grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by family, friends and all who knew her.
Hastings Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. In accordance with her wishes, there will not be a funeral service at this time. Karen wished instead to be cremated and for a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date and time so that her ashes may be spread like her husband’s.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her name to Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia:
https://www.animalfriendswv.org/
Condolences:
www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
