Elizabeth Dorothy (Holmes) Ibbotson

Elizabeth Dorothy (Holmes) Ibbotson

February 26,1938 - February 23, 2021

Betty of Rimbey, Alberta passed away at the Rimbey Hospital Extended Care on Tuesday February 23, 2021. 

Betty was the daughter of Elizabeth Grace Holmes and James Harold Holmes of Westerose, Alberta. The youngest of nine children, she excelled at both school and sports, and was the first in her family to attend the University of Alberta, in the Faculty of Education. She taught in Winfield, Sherwood Park, and Drayton Valley.

Betty married Garvin Ibbotson in 1959. They had three children, Sheldon (Bronwen), James (Vangie), and Quentin (Kim). She embraced her life as a loving, fiercely loyal wife and mother, and relished the adventures that came with following Garvin’s work across Alberta, to England, Lebanon, and the US.

Their lives took a different tangent when she and Garvin settled in Rimbey in 1986, after taking over Rimbey Foods on Main Street.  From her seat behind the back office desk, she thoroughly enjoyed sharing time with staff, customers, and sales people, especially when she could beat them at a quick card game.

Betty’s attentions shifted tectonically when grandchildren took hold of her heart.  As a mentor, a role model, a confidante, and cheerleader, Betty showed each grandchild what unconditional love meant through her unfailing support. Her door was always open; her home was always welcoming.

Betty is survived by her children, seven grandchildren, her sister Helen, and a large extended family.  She was predeceased by her husband and seven brothers and sisters - Thomas (Tom), Beatrice, Mildred (Millie), Evelyn (Evie), Robert (Bob), Neal, and Daniel (Dan). 

Betty will be buried at the Lakedell Community Cemetery, in a private graveside family service.

If friends so desire, memorial contributions in memory of Elizabeth Ibbotson may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Her family extends warm appreciation to everyone who has sent condolences, and especially to the kindness and care taken by hospital staff in Area 3.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elizabeth Dorothy (Holmes) Ibbotson, please visit our floral store.