SHIRLEY ANN TIBBETT
SHIRLEY ANN TIBBETT
Shirley Ann Tibbett of Neillsville, WI, passed away March 24, 2026, at the age of 91. She was born Feb. 17, 1935, to Earl and Anna (Kuester) Zabler in West Allis, WI. She attended grade school in both West Allis and Neillsville and graduated from Nathan Hale High School in West Allis in 1953.
Shirley married Bruce “Tom” Tibbett Aug. 31, 1957, in West Allis, and together they shared 58 wonderful and adventurous years. They lived in West Allis for several years before moving to Neillsville in 1964. Shirley was a stay-at-home mom while also helping with farm chores, and after raising her children, she worked various jobs and lovingly cared for her grandchildren. She was a longtime member of the Happy Homemakers and enjoyed many years of playing UNO with her card group. She devoted her life to her family and to serving others. She was an active member of her church and spent many years volunteering at the local nursing home.
Shirley’s passion was sewing, and she was considered a “master” seamstress by many, creating several wedding dresses and countless outfits for special occasions. She also enjoyed reading, crocheting, knitting, crafting and planting flowers all around the farm, filling every corner with color and cheer. Above all, she loved spending time with her continually growing family, always providing delicious meals and a warm, welcoming home.
She is survived by her six children: Patti (Tim) Schmidt, Bruce (Nancy) Tibbett Jr., Bev (Bill) Poeschel, Michelle (Tony) Witte, Jenny (Brandon) Grady, and Aimee (Steve) Kelchen; as well as 18 grandchildren, Ben (Ellen), Mike (Kristin), Andy (Mandy) and Timmy (Tracy) Schrader, Jenny (Erik) Hel-land, Max (Morgan) and Roman (Jayda) Tibbett, Chris (Jamie), Justin Poeschel, Courtney (Joe) Marcks and Sarah (Isaac) Guyer, Jessica and Jacob Witte, Ethan (Ra-chel Newman), Quinton and Mireille Grady and Emmet and Graham Kelchen; 21 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Anna Zabler; her father- and mother-in-law, George and Louise Tibbett; her husband, Bruce “Tom” Tibbett; her sister, Patricia Bernier; brothers-in-law Roger Bernier and Richard Tibbett; sisters-in-law Joanne Tibbett and Pat Mrotek; and a son-in- law, Tim Schrader.
Visitation will be held from 9–11 a.m. April 10, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Neillsville, fol-lowed by a funeral service at 11 a.m.
Her love, kindness and strength will remain in our hearts always.
Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.