With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Rhonda Tibbs, a beloved member of the Centralia community, who left us on Monday, March 24, 2025, at the age of 67. Rhonda was born on Saturday, November 23, 1957, in Centralia to John Sligar and Rosalie (Rollinson) Meyer.
She is survived by her three stepchildren, Larry, Angie, and Lisa, and her dear siblings: Linda Hails and husband Harold, Diana Frese and husband Glenn, Duane Martin and wife Mary, Troy Martin and wife Julie, Lisa Kracht and husband Gene all of Centralia, and half brother: Larry Sligar of Nashville, TN. Rhonda also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and her four-legged companion, Theo, who will forever cherish her memory.
Rhonda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Tibbs; her parents, John Sligar and Rosalie (Rollinson) Sligar Meyer; her stepfather, Cleve Martin; her son, William Bernard “Billy” Ripley; and her half-sister, Kathy Sligar.
Rhonda embraced life with vibrant energy, enjoying her bartending and finding joy in cooking, hosting cook-outs, and camping adventures with family and friends. Her love for gardening, particularly her passion for strawberries, was well-known among those who loved her. She was a dedicated member of the Men and Women of the Moose and enjoyed participating in the local pool league. Additionally, Rhonda was a passionate collector of Betty Boop memorabilia, which reflected her playful spirit.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during the visitation on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia, IL. A private graveside service will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia, honoring Rhonda’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rhonda’s name to the Centralia BCMW Project Bread, and will be accepted by the Sutherland Garnier funeral home at 235 North Sycamore St. in Centralia, IL 62801 (618) 532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Rhonda’s family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
