Bernie Tibbs

Funeral services for Bernie Tibbs of Ridgeview were held Saturday, December 18, 2021, at the Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center in Ft. Pierre. Burial was at the Scotty Philip Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge.

Frank L. “Bernie” Tibbs, 76, passed away Sunday, December 12, 2021 at the Oahe Manor in Gettysburg.

Bernie was born June 1, 1945 in Pierre to Frank E. “Shortlog” and Bethel (Miller) Tibbs. He attended school at Mission Ridge and Ridgeview.

Bernie was united in marriage to Dorothy Griffith on September 25, 1963. To this union two sons, Pat and Delbert, were born.

The couple resided at Lantry until 1964. In 1966 they moved to Ft. Pierre then to Ridgeview and worked for the Grazing Association until 1968, at which time they went into partnership with his dad. When Shortlog retired, Bernie took over the ranch until his passing.

Bernie was a successful cow man and dedicated his life to it. Bernie loved rodeo and in 1969, he and Shortlog won the SDRA Tie Down Team Roping Championship. He taught Pat and Delbert how to rope at a young age. He loved his family, friends and a good game of poker.

Bernie is survived by his wife, Dorothy of 58 years; two sons, Pat(Lona)Tibbs Belle Fourche and Delbert Tibbs of Prairie City; five grandchildren— Jace (Kori) Tibbs of Weesatche TX, Ketch (Alicia) Tibbs of Belle Fourche, Shawna Tibbs of Las Vegas, NV, Tasha Tibbs, and Colt Tibbs of Dupree, SD; a brother, Mike Tibbs of Ft. Pierre; a sister, Lila Taton of Newell; great-grandchildren; three aunts, Patty Peterson, Grace Mulloy and Bonnie Miller; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Shortlog and Bethel Tibbs; brother, Patrick; sister, Florence Eliason; and a niece and nephew.

(Dorothy Tibbs’ address is PO Box 233, Ridgeview, SD 57652.)