Neil William Tibbetts

Neil William Tibbetts, age 78, of Grand Junction, Colorado was called home to be with our Lord on December 20, 2024. Neil William Tibbetts was born on March 22, 1946, in Glenwood Springs, Colorado to Charles William and Alice Irene Tibbetts. He had two sisters, Caroline Yvonne and Verna Rae Tibbetts and a half-brother Wade Allen Tibbetts. Neil was a 1964 graduate of Glenwood Springs High School. He enjoyed keeping in contact with many of his classmates through the years and attended his final high school reunion earlier this year. Neil was a Vietnam Veteran, proudly serving his country in the United States Army from 1964-1967. He enjoyed an annual reunion of the 630th Engineer Company L.E. where he reconnected with those who served.

Neil married Sara Lee Wohlford, the love of his life on December 09, 1967 in Carbondale, Colorado. They shared 57 years together, and raised two sons, Ralph William and Bo (Ronald) Lee Tibbetts. Neil worked as an underground Coal Miner for many years. He was a dedicated family man and friend. Neil was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed a hand up. He was so proud of his two sons, and cherished his three granddaughters Dallas, Aspen and Lauren. Neil enjoyed camping and fly fishing on the Flat Top mountains North of Glenwood Springs. He also loved taking his wife Sara, Tug and Boone their two Bichons on 4-wheeling adventures in their Side by Side. Neil was a master craftsman; he enjoyed working with wood and metal. 

Neil is proceeded in death by his father Charles William Tibbetts, his mother Alice Irene McNary, both sisters Caroline Yvonne Tibbetts and Verna Rae Gardner. He is survived by his beloved wife Sara Lee Tibbetts of Grand Junction, Colorado. His son Ralph and Valerie Tibbetts of Grand Junction and their two daughters, Dallas Lynn Tibbetts and Matthew Love of Rockport, Texas, and Aspen Lee and Colton Wilson of Baytown, Texas. His son Bo and Becky Tibbetts of Delta, Colorado and daughter Lauren Elizabeth (Tibbetts) Nasby and Erik Joel Nasby of Grand Junction, Colorado. Neil is also survived by his Aunt Marilyn Landis of Comanche, Oklahoma and his nephew Shane Cooper and his daughter Geneva of Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

Neil will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. Thank you to all the family and friends who took the time to come visit and love him during his lengthy illness. Your love, care and especially your presence always gave him a reason to smile and something to look forward to.

Special thanks to everyone at Hospice and his care team for the exemplary care and support through this difficult time. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Services will be officiated by Chaplain Scott Hogue

Interment Veterans Memorial Cemetery on February 12, 2025 at 1:00 P.M.

2830 Riverside Parkway

Grand Junction, Co

White River National forest- Flat Top Mountains 

North of Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Celebration of Life Gathering TBD

Neil Tibbetts: A Cowboy's Journey Home 

Neil Tibbetts, a man who rode through life with laughter as his lasso and kindness as his compass, hung up his hat and saddled up for the great beyond on December 20th, 2024. Born under wide open skies and raised on the values of grit, generosity, and good humor, Neil spent his days staying true to his country roots and making the world a better place for those lucky enough to know him. 

Neil had a knack for turning even the dustiest trails into joyful rides. With quick wit and a hearty laugh, he could brighten a room faster than a sunrise over the plains.

His hands were calloused from hard work, but they were always extended to lift others up. Whether it was pitching in when family needed a helping hand or simply showing up with a warm heart and steady resolve, Neil's loyalty knew no bounds.

The love of his life, Sara, was his greatest treasure. For 57 beautiful years, she stood by his side, his partner in every sense of the word. Together, they built a legacy of love, laughter, and a life well-lived. Their bond, a testament to devotion as timeless as the stars above the prairie. 

Though his boots now rest, his spirit carries on in the laughter he inspired and the kindness he shared. Neil leaves behind a legacy of love and loyalty to family, friends, and the land that shaped him

He is survived by his truly beloved wife, Sara, sons Ralph and Bo, their wives Valerie and Becky, three beautiful granddaughters Dallas, Aspen, and Lauren and their menfolk Matthew, Colton, and Erik, his aunt Marilyn and nephew Shane and daughter Geneva, who will forever carry his cowboy spirit in their hearts.

As the sun sets on this chapter of Neil's story, we imagine him riding off into the eternal pasture, his hat tipped, his grin wide, and his laughter echoing across the heavens.

Rest easy, cowboy. Your trail was one well-traveled.