Obituary of Edward TIBBITTS

Edward Ray Tibbitts passed away Tuesday August 2, 2005, in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Ray was born on March 25, 1941 in Watsonville, CA where he stayed until moving to the Palm Springs area.He became an auto mechanic working for various companies such as Toyota, Chrystler and Kaiser Steel in California. During this time he visited Lake Havasu City on weekends to enjoy camping, boating and fishing. Ray was also a member of the Moose Lodge. He finally decided to relocate to Lake Havasu City with his wife Barbara and his step-children in 1979. In 1981, after working as an auto mechanic for twenty years, Ray chose a second career as a truck driver due to his love of the open road and traveling. Ray remained in Lake Havasu City until 1985, when he moved to Northern California. Ray returned to Lake Havasu City every winter to be with his family. Ray enjoyed his career as a truck driver for eighteen years, bringing his Shi-Tzu navigator, Chip on his trips. His hobbies included fishing in Sacramento River for salmon, boating, CB radios and camping. Ray is survived by his ex-wife and lifelong friend, Barbara L. Tibbitts, his step-daughter Teresa A. Sousa-Martz and son-in-law Mark J. Martz of Lake Havasu City. Other step-children include; Norman Betrue, Jr., Cynthia J. Sierra, Michelle Lujan and son-in-law Mike Lujan, along with seventeen grandchildren and nine great-granchildren. He is also survived by his cousin Marley Tibbitts and various other relatives in Watsonville, CA. Ray is preceded in death by his mother and father, Harold and Mary Tibbitts, his sister Virginia Gregory and most recently his loving companion dog, Chip.Ray was a loving, genuine man with a heart of gold. He will be missed by all who knew him and appreciated his genuine honesty, unconditional love and big heart.Visitation will be held on Friday August 5, 2005 at 10:00 AM at the Lietz-Fraze Chapel. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM. with Carol Sheffield officiating. Interment will follow at Lake Havasu Memorial Gardens.Condolences may be made to Ray's family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.comArrangements were entrusted to Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.