By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
13 Comments
    • Service

      10 a.m. Graveside Service

      Friday October 30, 2020

      Graceland Cemetery, Albion IL

       

    • Full Obituary

      John E. Ibbotson, age 87 of Albion, IL passed from this life to the next on Friday, October 23, 2020 at Fairfield Memorial Hospital, Skilled Care Unit.  In true gentlemanly fashion, he went ahead so he could open Heaven’s gates for his bride of over 69 years.  Laura Ibbotson joined him on Monday, October 26, 2020, also from Fairfield Memorial Hospital, Skilled Care Unit.

      John was born on September 24, 1933 in West Salem, IL to Earl J. and Ella (Hodgson) Ibbotson.

      Laura was born on November 5, 1933 to E. Grant and Mabel  (Wiseman) Marriott in Browns, IL.

      John married Laura on July 15, 1951 and they were the very first couple to be united in Holy Matrimony at the Fortney United Methodist Church.  Their union was blessed with many wonderful memories, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren over a span of more than 69 years.

      John was a farmer whose life revolved around the land and the occupation he loved and Laura was the other half of the team.  She was the consummate farmer’s wife with many interests and hobbies as well.

      They were both preceded in death by their parents, John was preceded by two sisters, Berniece Ford and Anabelle Deischer and Laura was preceded by one sister, Ruth.  They were both also preceded by two grandsons, Forest Jostes and Evan Ibbotson and one great granddaughter, Hayley Allison.

      Left to cherish so many wonderful memories of a precious couple, are their  daughter, Fonda Sasakado, sons: Dale (Elizabeth) Ibbotson, Earl (Jana) Ibbotson and Von (Helen) Ibbotson, John’s  sister, Thelma Sturm,  Laura’s brother, Carl (Jane) Marriott,  ten grandchildren:  Matthew Ibbotson, Adam (Katie) Ibbotson, Audra (Chris) Spray,  Abby (Greg) Shelton, Michelle Teeter,  Benjamin (Erin) Jostes, Micah Fryman, Lucas  Fryman, Johanna (Brian) Sloss and Steven Ibbotson.  Also surviving are twenty-three great grandchildren:  Claire, Charlie, Emily, Sarah, Hallie, Chase, Kelsey, Reilly, Justice, Clayton, Weston, Elodie, Nora, Brody, Jonah, Nikolaus, Elijah, Aiden, Miles, Stella, Augustus, Isabel and Isaac.

      Graveside services to honor the lives of John and Laura Ibbotson will be held at 10AM, Friday, October 30, 2020 at Graceland Cemetery.

      Memorials are encouraged to the Fairfield Memorial Hospital Skilled Care Unit and envelopes will be provided at the graveside service.  The family would like to thank the staff of the Skilled Care Unit for their loving care of  Laura and John.

      Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.meridithfuneralhome.com.

      Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home of Albion is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

       

    Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

    13 Condolences
     
    1. Karen L. Smith / October 28, 2020 at 8:08 am

      So very sorry to hear of their passing. Prayers and condolences for the family !!

    2. Deb Rose / October 28, 2020 at 10:41 am

      I knew Mr. and Mrs. Ibbotson years ago. They were a very gracious and warm-hearted couple. My sympathy and prayers are with the family.

    3. JERRY NEAL / October 28, 2020 at 11:09 am

      To the Ibbotson Family, You are in my thoughts and prayers. I have many wonderful memories of your folks when growing up from hunting, school activities, and visits. Your folks were truly salt of the earth people, worked hard for everything they had and treated everyone with kindness and respect. May God give you strength during this time. Thinking of you. Jerry Neal

    4. Lisa R Shilling / October 28, 2020 at 12:46 pm

      So very sorry for your loss.

    5. Brenda Watson / October 28, 2020 at 1:31 pm

      My mom was in the Skilled Care Unit with Laura and John. They sat together during meals. John enjoyed talking about family and farming. It was a pleasure to get to know them. My thoughts and prayers are with their families during this sad time.
      Brenda Watson

    6. Sarah J Bailey / October 28, 2020 at 2:47 pm

      Thank you for giving us the opportunity to care for your parents. They were a special couple and both were unique in their own way. Heaven has gained two beautiful angels. May God Bless and Comfort you and your family during this time. Jane Bailey.

    7. Mick Laflin / October 28, 2020 at 3:46 pm

      I am very saddened and grieved to hear of the deaths of John and Laura Ibbotson. I was their pastor at the Fortney United Methodist Church from October 1, 2008 until June 30, 2012. John and Laura were very special people, very kind-hearted and loving; and they were especially good to my entire family. John had a very quirky sense of humor that I truly appreciated, and Laura always had a kind word to say to me every Sunday. They were both especially kind to my daughter when she became a mother. I will remember them fondly. Knowing John as I did, I am sure that he made some quick witted statement when Laura entered heaven three days after he did. Mick Laflin.

    8. Greg & Holly Mann / October 28, 2020 at 8:31 pm

      So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for your families!

    9. Daniel K Seibert / October 29, 2020 at 8:07 am

      Ibbotson family I am so sorry to hear of your loss God Bless

    10. Sandra Davidson / October 29, 2020 at 11:29 am

      Such a lovely couple, so many memories. Love to all from your Scottish family x

    11. Myrna Mason / October 29, 2020 at 1:49 pm

      My thoughts and prayers are with your families.

    12. Kim Thompson / October 30, 2020 at 8:32 am

      I have heard so many wonderful stories about these two and how much happiness they brought to their family. They will be sadly missed. May they Rest In Peace!

    13. Curtis Ingram / October 30, 2020 at 3:18 pm

      Sorry to hear of the deaths of long time friends John & Laura. Such nice people
      You have our sympathy
      Curtis & Dolores Ingram

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