Sylvester Martin Tibbits Jr., 93

July 9, 1932 — Oct. 14, 2025

Sylvester Martin Tibbits Jr., 93 (nickname: Ire), was born in Spokane on July 9, 1932, to Sylvester M. Tibbits Sr., and Eva Ellen Masterson Tibbits. He was the middle child among four sisters: Audrey, Evesta, Patty and Bonnie. He attended school in Spokane before moving to McGuire, Idaho. After arriving at school from the front, Ire would often slip out the back. In 1946, he moved to Post Falls when his parents bought Post Falls Cleaners.

Sylvester worked for his parents before joining the National Guard in February 1948. He told them he was 18, but he was only 15. They later discovered his real age and gave him an honorable discharge. He then married LaRae Appleby in October and moved to Greenacres, Wash. They had four boys: Sylvester William, Danny Martin, Ronald David and Larry Allen. 

Sadly, all of his children and his wife, LaRae, preceded him in death. He stayed at Kaiser Aluminum for many years because he enjoyed his work.

He is survived by seven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind one sister, Bonnie Willoughby of Coeur d'Alene, along with several friends and neighbors — Al Flick and Nina Finney — whom he greatly appreciated.

    Tibbits