Ruth Ellen Tibbs

Ruth E. Tibbs, age 78 of Cottage Grove, passed away unexpectedly with her family by her side on Thursday, August 17, 2023.

Ruth Ellen Tibbs, the daughter of Henry and Martha (Ambron) Sauerbrey, was born September 17, 1944, in Dairyland, WI.

Ruth graduated from Webster High School in 1963 and married Clayton E. Tibbs on January 8, 1966. They had two children and moved to Cottage Grove in December of 1976. Ruth worked multiple jobs throughout her life at Peters Meats, Pearson Candy, and Gillette. In her free time, she enjoyed crocheting, gardening, canning, fishing, and camping. Ruth and Clayton eventually had 4 grandsons, 1 granddaughter, and 3 great grandchildren that they took immense pride and joy in.

She is survived by her daughter, Paula (Pat) Elling; grandchildren, Owen (Becca) Adams, Chris (Jessica) Moldrem, Evan Olson, Jerry (Skylar) Tibbs, and Amanda Tibbs; great grandchildren, Hope Marincel, CJ Moldrem, and Alita Adams; siblings, MaryAnn (Dean) Loucks, Martha (George) Hauer, Orville (Elaine) Sauerbrey, and Linda (Jim) Grinnell.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clayton Tibbs; son, Clayton Tibbs Jr., and 16 brothers and sisters.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 25, 2023, at 1pm at Kok Funeral Home (7676 80^th Street S. Cottage Grove, MN) with visitation beginning at 12pm until the time of the service. Ruth will be laid to rest at Newport Cemetery beside her beloved husband, Clayton.

For those who would like to participate in Ruth's service via livestream, you can watch the service on Friday, August 25, 2023 at 1:00 pm.  It can be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of this page, and "CLICK PLAY" to begin.  Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service.  If you are having troubles with the Livestream, please accept our apologies, but the service will be available to watch later in the day.