Allen Marler Tibbitts
December 17, 1923 - August 10, 2017
The greatest generation has lost a loving couple. Allen Marler Tibbitts, one of the "young lions" of WWII, and Norma Nelson Tibbitts, a very talented and wonderful mother, passed away 33 hours apart…Allen on August 10, 2017 and Norma on August 12, 2017.
Allen was born to Lorenzo Edwin Tibbitts and Clara Eliza Gessel Tibbitts on December 17, 1923 in Ririe, Idaho. Norma was born to George Gordon Nelson and Gladys Bernice Ackerman Nelson on May 8, 1924 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Both Allen and Norma went to South High School prior to WWII. Allen played football and Norma developed as an operatic singer. They became sweethearts and were engaged just prior to Allen's leaving for military service. Allen joined the military in 1942 and became a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. Norma worked at the Arms Plant and made ammunition for our troops.
As a paratrooper, Allen saw heavy action in North Africa, Invasion of Sicily, Invasion of Italy and liberation of Rome, spear-headed the invasion of Southern France, Anzio, Nijmegen Holland (Bridge Too Far), and the March to Germany. Upon his discharge from the military in late 1945, Allen and Norma were married and had two children: Gordon (Jill) Tibbitts, and Marlene (Jerry) Maio.
Compassionate and caring people, Norma and Allen worked together on everything, they were the complement of each other. They were most noted for love of family first, their terrific family dinners at holidays, Norma's exquisite porcelain creations, and their delicious hand-dipped chocolates created in "Grandma's Wonka Room". Allen spent most of his career with Dan's Foods, first as a store manager and then as head of maintenance and new buildings for all the stores.
They struggled through Norma's indignities of Alzheimer's and Allen's medical limitations and debilitating effects of PTSD. They will be greatly missed. They had an agreement that if she should pass first she would sing loudly so he could find her, but if he (being a skilled whistler) passed first he would walk slowly, whistling so she could find him-what a blessing it didn't take long for her to join him.
They are survived by their children; grandchildren Melissa Tibbitts, Wade (Amanda) Tibbitts, Monica (Matt Snow) Maio, Matt (Jaimie) Maio, Mitch Maio, Megan (Eric) Ervin; and twelve great-grandchildren. Allen is survived by two sisters, Joycelyn (Keith) Moore and Lue Gene Holt. Norma is survived by her sister-in-law and "bestie" Evelyn Nelson. Norma is preceded in death by a brother Raymond G. "Bud" Nelson and sister Jean West. Allen is preceded in death by brothers L.E. Tibbitts, Orrin Tibbitts, Don Tibbitts, Carl Tibbitts, Bus Tibbitts, and Brandt Tibbitts and sister Kathy Tibbitts Buck.Thank you to the compassionate staff at Mt Olympus Rehabilitation.
Thank you to Dad's favorite at the VA, Dr. Philip Kithas-more than a doctor, a true advocate and friend.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 17, 2017 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking on the north side of the building. Joint graveside services will be held on Friday, August 18, 2017 at noon at Memorial Estates Mountain View, 3115 Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights.
In Loving Memory
I always liked my Uncle Marler very much, and strange as it might seem, my wife, Cecelia, grew up in SLC knowing and loving Aunt Norma and her family. I served in the Army with my Uncle Bus and all the "soldiers" in the family kind of had a connection I guess. Course it was nothing like the service Uncle Marler gave for his country. My Uncle Marler used to make model airplanes. He made a glider for me one time when I was very young. It was when he first came home from the war. I was about 5 or 6. It was made of blue paper and balsa wood. He tried to make a grocery boy out of me but it was just not my bag! It was just too much hard work I guess. I only lasted 3 days, and decided it was easier to wash cars in my dad's garage.. I always felt bad that I like let him down. Our love and wishes go out to all of you good folks. We have to do Grandparent duty while our daughter-in-law has some surgery in Las Vegas or we would for sure be there to share this special time with you. Love you all. . . Kent and Cec Tibbitts
Kent D Tibbitts
Blanding, UT
I met Allen when I went to work at Dan's Food Town at the age of 16. We did not get along. In fact, he fired me and hired me back in the same day. However, since then I grew up. As luck would have it, my wife is related to Norma. So, I married into the family. Oh joy! Over the years I saw Allen at some family gatherings. We got along fine. He came to visit me several times when I was a Lieutenant with the Sheriff's Office at East Patrol. I learned to very much like the man and respect him. I learned much later in life about his military service. Being retired Army myself, I was proud to know Allen, and my respect only grew. I played in a band that visited his care facility several times. Each time, we would visit long afterwards. I can honestly say I am partly the man I am today because of Allen's influence. I only wish I had been smart enough at the age of 16 to realize what a great man he was. God Bless Allen and Norma's family. We lost a great man, and woman. Steven A. Stout West Valley
Steven A. Stout
West Valley, UT