Jessie B. Tibbs Tarter died peacefully in her sleep on Nov. 18, 2017 in Hermiston at the age of 96.
She was born on Jan. 19, 1921 in Baker City to James and Martha Tibbs.
She graduated from high school in Haines in 1939 and later with a degree as a beautician in La Grande. She married Donald Tarter in Weiser, Idaho on Aug. 6, 1941, and during World War II they moved to Vancouver, Wash., where Donald built war ships. After the war, they returned to Eastern Oregon, where they farmed and ranched in the Baker Valley. They moved to Stanfield in 1953. Donald began working for Union Pacific Railroad and Jessie ran the farm. Her children remember her making cream to sell to Mayflower Dairy in Hermiston. In the mid 1960s, her mother Martha bought her one weaner pig. Jessie raised it, had it bred and sold a litter of weaner pigs. That is how she bought the family their first color TV.
She was an accomplished baker, and often her pies, Christmas candies and cookies were in high demand. She was a warm and loving individual who loved nothing more than her family. Any family get-together with children around her would bring a smile to her face. She liked watching the Seahawks and bull riding. The only time she might get slightly upset with a stray great or great-great grandchild was when she was watching either, and they would wander in front of the TV.
Jessie is survived by sons, Norman, Milton-Freewater, Rodney (wife Leann), Hermiston and Randy, Bothell, Wash.; grandchildren, Donald, Tammy, Trent, Scott, Rodrick, Melanie, Jeff, Nick, Jake, Natalie, Josie, Kelli, Julie and Riley; 18 great grandchildren; and 12 great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; daughter, Patty Jo; and grandson, Ty; her seven siblings; and her husband Donald’s eight siblings. She was the last of the greatest generation of the Tibbs and Tarter families.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017 at 10 a.m. at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston.
Burial will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
