Marie Ellen Stibbs

Marie Ellen entered into this world at St. Joseph Hospital, Sioux City, IA, on September 6, 1939, shortly after her twin sister Ellen Marie (Schanke) Ritz, to the proud parents, Charlotte (Knepper) Schanke and Olav Schanke.

Marie and Ellen spent their childhood as latchkey children in a small apartment as their mom worked in the factory across town. A neighbor lady, Nellie, often looked after them. Later, when Charlotte remarried, they moved to a small brick house, staying in the Morningside area of Sioux City where they attended Immaculate Conception Prep School and Bishop Heelan High School. After high school, Marie and close friend Helen O'Connor ventured to Omaha, NE, where they worked at the Northwestern Bell phone company. Marie had a side job waitressing at AkSarBen racetrack. There she found her forever love, Jerry (Gerald) Stibbs of Omaha, whom she married. They settled into a home on Omaha's west side. A few years later Marie and Jerry adopted Tammy, who completed their happy family. Marie devoted her life to raising Tammy. Jerry devoted his life to ensuring the well being of his family long after he passed.

The Stibbs family enjoyed trips to Iowa to visit her mom in Sioux City and her sister on the farm north of Sioux City, trips to the Smoky Mountains to visit Jerry's family, Stibbs/Murphy cookouts, and baseball games at the old Rosenblatt Stadium.

With Jerry's passing, Marie showed her independence taking care of herself, continuing trips with her nieces and nephews, and continuing to help Tammy with her family. The Murphy's and Stibbs' families filled the void left by Jerry, making memories at birthdays, holidays, and just for fun with Marie, becoming her extended family. The Ritz’s made regular trips to visit Marie, taking her fishing to the lakes, weddings, and other special occasions. Tammy's oldest, Angelina, had a close bond with Marie, spending much of her free time with her, staying with her from time to time.

Even as Marie experienced the need for more healthcare, her independent nature drove her to stay in her own home, where she could spend time with her dog Lucky and her Marlboros till her passing.

She was preceded in death by both parents, her sister, her husband, all of Jerry's siblings. Survivors include her sister-in-law Barbara, brother-in-law Jim, daughter Tammy (Bill) Kirchoffer, their children Angelina, Megan, Christopher, the Ritz nephews/nieces, Murphy nephews/nieces, and Stibbs nephews and nieces. Touching the lives of many, she will be forever missed.