Clayton Tibbs

Clayton E. Tibbs, age 73, of Cottage Grove, passed away at his home on October 25, 2016 surrounded by family.

Funeral service will be 11:00 am Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 – 80th Street S., Cottage Grove with visitation one hour prior. Interment will be at the Newport Cemetery, Newport.

Clayton Elliot Tibbs, the son of Forrest and Blanche (Grimwood) Tibbs, was born April 5, 1943 in Leavittsburg, Ohio. He grew up in Leavittsburg and his favorite memories of that time was when he would jump out of the tallest trees into the Mahoning River and thus became a great swimmer.

Clayton moved to St. Paul, Minnesota in 1963 and married Ruth E. Sauerbrey on January 8, 1966. They had two children and moved to Cottage Grove in December of 1976. Clayton earned his living as a building and groundskeeper for the University of Minnesota. In his free time he enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with his family. Clayton and Ruth eventually had 3 grandsons, a great-granddaughter and a great-grandson that they took great pride in.

Clayton is survived by his wife Ruth; daughter Paula (Pat) Elling; grandsons Owen Adams, Christopher (Jessica) Moldrem and Evan Olson; great-grandchildren, Hope Marincel and Christpher "CJ" Moldrem Jr; sisters Virginia Helgenbothan and Loretta Wilson; brothers Glen, Morgan, Darrell, Don, Doyle, Shirley and Forrest Tibbs Jr. as well as many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Forrest D. Tibbs; mother and step-father, Blanche and Charles Riggle; son Clayton Tibbs Jr.; sisters, Juanita Kelly and Thelma Garvin; brothers, Gene, Blaine and Dale Tibbs.