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.