Meta Marie Tibbetts, 95, longtime area resident, died Sunday, September 18, 2016 at the Aurora Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado. She had been a recent resident of New Dawn Memory Care of Aurora.

Meta was born to Herbert and Anna (Vieth) Helmreich in Boonville, Missouri on July 28, 1921. She graduated from Boonville High School in 1939. Meta studied business and worked in Kansas City, Missouri where she met Donald Werning Tibbetts. They were married in Boonville on August 9, 1942, and celebrated 70 years of marriage.

Meta and Don moved to Fort Morgan in 1946 after Donald completed service in the Army Dental Corps. Don joined his father's dental practice while Meta became active in many organizations. She belonged to Arcturus Club, Chapter S PEO, Friends of the Museum, and the Heritage Foundation. She was also a member of the United Presbyterian Church.

Meta was an avid bridge player, collector of antiques, and needlepoint crafter. She enjoyed hosting family and social gatherings, and sharing her fine culinary skills. She found great joy in many family adventures, including boating, waterskiing, and time spent in the Colorado mountains.

Meta is survived by four daughters, Denna Weber of Fort Morgan, Jane Milner of Tyler, Texas, Jone Lockhart of Holden, Missouri, and Charlotte McCracken of McKinney, Texas; one son, Mike Tibbetts of Fort Morgan; 14 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, daughter; Donna Rae Thompson, and infant son, Thomas Edward Tibbetts, and her two brothers, Ed and Herb.

There will be a visitation Wednesday, September 21, 2016 from 5-7 P.M. at the Heer Mortuary in Fort Morgan.

Funeral Services will be Thursday, September 22, 2016 at 10:30 A.M. at the United Presbyterian Church in Fort Morgan. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery.

Memorial Gifts may be made to the United Presbyterian Church of Fort Morgan Memorial Fund, the Saint Johns United Church of Christ of Billingsville, Boonville, Missouri, or the charity of your choice.