Retha Davis Tibbals passed away peacefully at her home into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the morning of January 2, 2022.

She lived a John 10:10 life "more abundantly".

Her energetic curiosity made her a lifelong learner.  Music, gardening, sports, travel were engaged in with enthusiasm.  She was an avid reader and a listener; thoughtful and deliberate with her words.  Her beautifully composed notes and letters were kept and reread by many including WWII letters Harry kept until he died.

Education was a passion.  She and Harry encouraged and financed college educations for their 4 children, funded college trusts for all 22 great grandchildren and were co-founders of the WISD Education Foundation.  Their endowed scholarships and "Leaves" donated to the Tibbals Tree of Honor and Knowledge provide grants and scholarships to dozens of deserving teachers and students.

Other educational legacies include Retha's receiving the Elisabeth W. Garrison award and Baylor University honoring Retha with the "decree" of Baylor Alumni by choice.

It has been said that you could remember "Harry" only with "Retha" by his side. The best example of their humble, generous, servant-led life was the naming of the Harry and Retha Tibbals Elementary School where the wall mural bears her motto: "If you love them; you can teach them".  Retha really enjoyed visiting the library at Tibbals Elementary and reading books to the kindergarten children. Christmas was a special time at Tibbals Elementary with hallways transformed into the "Polar Express"train for a story she read aloud to the students. In later years, she needed "protection" from the crush of kids who wanted to be near her.

She was the fastest girl runner and a softball player in her school, was her children's biggest fan and could give pretty good "tips"about hitting and fielding.

She was gentle with a servant's heart; had a great sense of humor; but was quietly proud of her "tough" side.  In her late eighties, she copied and circulated a newspaper column titled "Don't Call Me Honey"; written by a lady who (like her) lived through the great depression, WWII, raised her children, was a cancer survivor and a devoted wife.

Retha was the middle child of five born to Ernest Lee and Naomi Clark Davis on April 8,1922 in Arp, Texas. After graduating from Arp High School, she met Harry Fred Tibbals Jr. in Overton, Texas at their church. They were married on May 30,1941 for 65 years until his death on October 16, 2006.  During Harry's career in the retail grocery business as a manager and executive they lived in cities in east Texas and northern Louisiana until moving the family to Wylie in 1961 where they owned Wylie Super Market.  Few knew of her important contributions as a "silent partner" as Harry engaged in banking, real estate development and other entrepreneurial enterprises.She could make him laugh and she kept him from taking life too seriously.

Retha was very active in many civic organizations and the First Baptist Church.

Retha and Harry's greatest joy was always their family.Retha is survived by her children Harry Fred Tibbals III and wife Cindy, James Michael Tibbals and wife Deborah (Bunny), Phillip Glen Tibbals and wife Dee, and Sheila Kay Jeffrey and husband Neal; 8 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren as well as her wonderful in laws, nieces and nephews. Her presence will be deeply missed by all of us.

The family is grateful to 3 wonderful caregivers Jane, Edith and Monica who administered loving care, comfort and ministry to Mother.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a date to be determined.  The family suggests donations in her memory to the Wylie I.S.D. Education Foundation and the Wylie Community Christian Care Center.