Carolyn Wells Tibbs

Carolyn Wells Tibbs, 84, passed away on August 6, 2024 at Baptist Hospital in Paducah, KY, following a brief illness. She was born Carolyn Judith Olsen on June 2, 1940 in Hartford, CT to Bill Olsen and Martha (Swanson) Olsen. Her parents and sister, Virginia, moved to Superior, WI in 1942. WWII had started and Bill was called back to Superior to work as results engineer at Superior, Water, Light & Power to aid in increasing power production for the shipbuilding effort.
 
After graduating from Superior Central High School in 1957, Carolyn began her career as a bookkeeper, first at Superior & Duluth Transfer Company, and then Minnesota Power & Light Company. In 1970 she moved to Michigan where for ten years she was Buyer/Expediter for Kelsey-Hayes Company. From 1982 to 1994, Carolyn was the manager for the Illinois Valley Food Pantry in LaSalle, IL. This was a demanding job where she supervised employees and 30 volunteers as well as recordkeeping, budgeting, statistical analysis, and public relations. Carolyn received an award from the State of Illinois for her excellent work at the Illinois Valley Food Pantry. Carolyn retired from Mid-America Homes in Benton KY in 1998.
 
In addition to being highly skilled in her work career, Carolyn was known for her generosity. She provided financial assistance to those in need, crocheted 100s of hats and 100s of mittens which were donated to shelters, hospitals, and various children’s organizations. Carolyn contributed to a variety of charities for medical research, family assistance, and the care and adoption of animals. She loved the dogs and cats of her life with all her heart. She was a member of The Murray-Calloway County Senior Citizens Center, Knitwits, and Hardin Baptist Church.
 
We will miss her amazing intellect, her resilient spirit, her ability to crack a joke, and the smile that lit up her face.
 
Carolyn married Donald Tibbs in 1980. Throughout his career, Don was employed as an ironworker and steelworker. One of the many projects he worked on was the Blatnik bridge connecting Duluth, MN and Superior, WI.  Don retired as a line supervisor in 1994 from LTV Steel. Don preceded her in death in 2012. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Bill & Martha Olsen and her sister, Dr. Virginia Haley. She is survived by her sister, Kristi Jan Olsen, Eugene, OR; nieces, Jenna Miller and Wynne Avellenet, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; nephew, Tony Cardello, Portland OR; and stepchildren Paula Tibbs, Eau Claire, WI; Vicki Andrews, Pahrump, NV; Geri Fresacher, Superior, WI; and Donny Tibbs, Duluth, MN.
 
An informal graveside service of prayers and remembrance will be held at 11:00 on Monday, August 12 at Murray Memorial Gardens.
 
Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to be entrusted with the care of Ms. Tibbs.  Please share your messages of condolence by signing her virtual guestbook at www.blalockcolemanfuneralhome.com.