Obituary of Karen Wolfe Tibbs

Karen W. Tibbs, 73, passed away May 16, 2024, at J. W. Ruby Memorial Hospital after a short-term but arduous battle against metastatic pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded both physically and emotionally in the preceding days by the many family members and friends who loved her. Karen is survived by her brother, Leonard Wolfe of Brookhaven, W.V.; her sister, Jeanie Claassen of Atlanta, GA; her daughter, Krista Tibbs of Morgantown, W.V.; her son, Chad Tibbs of Sacramento, CA; 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, W.V.; her husband, James Fredrick Tibbs; and many beloved family pets. Born as Karen Sue Wolfe on September 24, 1950 to Andrew Coleman Wolfe and Anna Kuhar Wolfe, she remained in her birth town of Morgantown, W.V. 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 August 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 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 at https://www.animalfriendswv.org/. Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com