BINGO!
Ella’s favourite pastime and five-letter word… that is, if she was yelling it and not another participant. Each day of the week meant a new game in a different community and Ella didn’t miss many of them. She took the game seriously and always enjoyed coming out on the winning end… who doesn’t? In Ella’s world, happiness was yelling BINGO!
Ella Eileen was welcomed into this world by her parents, John Archibald and Ila Mary Luella (Walpole) McDonald on Monday, September 10, 1928 in Eastnor Township (on the Bruce Peninsula). She joined older sister Catherine “Kay” and was later joined by younger siblings, Bill, Marie, Leroy, Jack, Madeline, Jim, Frank, Joe, Sharon, and Dale.
After Ella’s birth, the family remained in Barrow Bay for a couple of months, before moving south to Chesley. The McDonald children were educated at Chesley Public School and Chesley High School. Upon graduation, Ella worked at the Silknet factory in Chesley with her mom. In the mid 40’s while roller skating, Ella was introduced to a young man by the name of Walter “Wally” Gordon Tibbo. The young couple dated for a couple of years before marrying on September 15, 1948 by the Justice of the Peace in Owen Sound. Their first daughter Betty joined them later that year as the family settled in Owen Sound. In 1950 the Tibbos moved to Hanover, and their family grew further with the arrival of Bonnie (1951) and Bob (1955). Chesley soon became home once again for Ella and her family became complete with the additions of Bill (1957) and Brad (1963).
As you can imagine life was busy for Ella, caring for her young family. She was the disciplinarian (if you think the Tibbo children needed that) as Wally was often busy with work. However, on a few occasions, I am told she used the famous line “you wait until your father comes home…” to guide her children in a different direction. She had eyes in the back of her head (where have I heard that before) and often confronted the kids on some of their poorer judgments. No matter the situation, Ella always gave you her honest opinion (even when it was not always wanted). Although stern (with her kids), Ella was a caring, loyal and fair mother who always put the needs of her family and children first… that is until the grandchildren started to arrive! 🙂
Once Brad was off to school Ella returned to the workforce and spent time at the butcher shop, restaurant, bakery, and grocery store in the years that followed. When she and Wally were able to enjoy a night out they often went dancing and were both active members of the Chesley Legion. Ella was also a member of the Legion Auxiliary and helped prepare countless meals throughout the years. In addition to her passion for Bingo, Ella enjoyed paper tolling and loved figure skating in her youth. She was known to collect spoons, bells, and … the occasional child! She enjoyed clothing, and could never have enough. The summer months were Ella’s favourite as she and Wally would regularly pack up and head to the trailer at Whispering Pines. This yearly tradition began in the mid 80’s and continued until 2015, a year before Wally’s death. One thing Ella was particular about was her hair. Her hair appointments were every Friday in the winter, and Thursday in the summer (so they could get to the trailer sooner), and they were always booked around the airing time of “Days of our Lives.” In later years she enjoyed a variety of game shows in addition to her daily soap routine.
Ella loved spending time with her grandchildren and later great-grandchildren. Countless stories were told of times hanging out with grandma at the trailer or spoiling the kids one-way or another. She was a fabulous cook and baker. Some of her family’s favourites included her butter tarts, pies, homemade relish, and Ella’s pigtails… I am told they were fabulous.
In 2010, Ella and her family started to see signs of dementia setting in. Wally took the lead and along with help from his family was able to care for Ella at home. Unfortunately, in 2013 the toll of this care became too much and Ella soon called Parkview Manor home. A few years later, she was reunited with her younger brother Jim, and together they enjoyed each other’s company. The staff and fellow residents became a second family to Ella and she could often be found roaming the halls in her wheelchair. Sadly, her health declined rapidly in recent days and she passed away on Wednesday, March 17, 2021, in her 93rd year.
Loving mother of Betty (Jr.) Steeves of Moncton, N.B., Bonnie Kunkel of Bright, Bob (Trish), Bill (Sandi) and Brad (Jayne), all of Chesley. Ella will live on in the hearts and minds of her twelve grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson, brother Jim McDonald and sisters Madeline Sedor and Sharon (Ted) Loughlean. She will be dearly missed by her sisters-in-law Joyce McDonald, Shirley McDonald, Carma McDonald and Marg Kerr. Ella was predeceased by her husband Wally (2016), son-in-law Hank Kunkel, a grandson, a granddaughter and siblings, Bill, Frank, Joe, Dale, Leroy, Jack, Marie (in infancy) and Kay Vancise.
A casual, come & go celebration of Ella’s life will be held at the Chesley Kinsmen Pavilion on Saturday, September 25, 2021 from 12 noon – 2 p.m. Private inurnment in Chesley Cemetery.
If desired, memorial donations to the Alzheimer Society or Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
Thinking of all the Tibbo families at this difficult time. You will have so many wonderful memories which you will cherish. She was a sweetie.
We knew Ella from the day we became involved with the Grocery Store in 1987. She was a cheerful woman who worked on cash and served customers with a greeting and and a smile. Watching her and Wally dance at either a staff Christmas party or a dance at the community centre was a real treat. They simply floated around the dance floor with many people stopped to watch. Our sumpathy to the entire family.
My deepest sympathy to the Tibbo and MACdonald families. Enjoyed many bingo games with Ella. She will be greatly missed.
Ella was a great lady. I enjoyed working with her. Such a sweet lady. My sincere condolences go out to her family. She will be missed by all!!!
Our sincere sympathies on the passing of Ella into eternity…she used to light up like a Christmas tree whenever she saw you and smiled! How special that made us feel…Jimmy will miss her a lot….God bless all of you,
Sincerely,
Barb & Steve
We were so sorry to hear of Ella’s passing. She was a lovely person with a great sense of humor, and an even greater smile. Our loving thoughts are with all of the family.
Sincere sympathy.
Deepest sympathies to the whole Tibbo crew! I can hear Wally and Ella’s laughs clear as day while watching that photo collection. Loved hanging out with the Old Fart in his garage with my dad or out on an old woodlot he, dad, Fuzzy and Bob were clearing. Many memories of both he and Ella while growing up. Their home was the place to be many sunny afternoons! Thinking of you all.
I am so sorry to hear this sad news, I remember Ella all my life she always had a smile for everyone, and her laugh was great, She will be missed so much by everyone, but now she is with her awesome sister Kay, another great person is my life.. Condolence to the hole family .
Sincere Sympathy to all of Ella’s family. She was a great lady.
The Walpole Family.
We enjoyed the company of Ella and Wally a number of times. They were great people and fabulous dancers. We are better for having known them. Sincere condolences. Terry and Faith Graham
The Family of Junior Stedes….To Betty(Tibbo) and family….We were sorry to hear of the passing of Junior .Bev always looked forward to his visits and lots of laughs when you guys came to Ontario..Treasure Your Memories.
To the family of Ella Tibbo…Our deepest sympathy to the amazing Tibbo Family. she was a special lady. She was Gramma Tibbo around our house for many years. she will be greatly missed by her many friends and family.
Our deepest sympathy to Ella’s family.
Cherish the memories
Doug and Jean Harvie
With my sincere sympathy to the Tibbo family in your loss.
So many tributes to such a wonderful lady. Deepest Sympathy to everyone who loved her so much and will miss Ella everyday.
Memories of the coffee gang and many laughs they all had together. Deepest sympathies to all.
We are so sorry to hear of Aunt Ellas passing.
I have so many fun memories of the family reunions at her and Uncle Wally’s house.
So many smiles, laughs, hugs and great food!
Our thoughts go out to the entire Family.
Auntie Ella was always there for us growing up, we cherished all that she did to help raise us. Fond memories of Tibbo gatherings, Wally in the shed, Ella cooking for everyone..And of course we could never forget her Mac n Cheese with Bacon…sincere condolences to the Tibbo and extended families.
Dwayne and Susan Loughlean
So sorry to hear of Aunt Ella’s passing,my sympathy to all…
Our sympathy goes out to the entire Tibbo family. We have many wonderful memories of Wally, Ella, Jimmy and their family at Whispering Pines. Lots of fun especially during a game of horseshoes . Great people!
Sorry for your loss
So sorry to hear of Aunt Ella’s passing sending my condolences to all the Tibbo family
So sorry to hear of Ellas passing. Please accept our sincere sympathy.
Ella always had a smile on her face and was a lovely lady. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire family.
Sending condolences to the entire Tibbo-McDonald families. Ella was a “bright light” and will be missed by many.
I haven’t seen Ella for decades but remember her as such a lovely lady and a joy to be around. My thoughts are with all of you. You will have wonderful memories to help you. Helen (Fritsch) Maxwell
Jim McDonald
THINKING OF YOU IN THE LOSS OF YOU SISTER.
Bill,Sandi and family
HUGS to you all, remember the good times spent over the years.
So saddened to hear about Ella. So many memories of her days at Leask’s as a cashier. A friendly lady with a wonderful laugh. At our Christmas party or at a dance, Wally and Ella wold mesmorize people with their dancing. Have never seen any 2 people that could dance together like those two. Our condolences to the entire family.
Our sympathy to Betty, Bonnie, Bob, Bill, Brad and families, your mom was a great lady and will be very much missed. Hold close to all of your memories.
Have such great memories of when your mum and I worked together at Cam’s restaurant. Thinking of you. Diane Stangler
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Tibbo and McDonald families during this difficult time. May your memories be a blessing.
Thinking about all of you. Our sympathy to the whole family.
Brad, Jayne and family,
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of all of you during this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss to all families our condolences from Catherine Krause Dawdy and Herb Dawdy.
Our sincere condolences to all the Family. Ella will be fondly remembered.
My Deepest Sympathy to the All The Tibbo Families at this time.
Our sincerest condolences to Ella’s family. She was a beautiful lady inside and out.
So sorry to hear of mom’s passing. Our sympathy to all the Tibbo family. She was a great lady and will be missed. Now Ella and Wally will be together.
Cherish the memories.
Oh miss Ella
You will be missed at pvm in alot of different reasons. The big one will be your sweet smile and them little waves you share with staff.
My condolences go out to all Ella family.
Sending sincerest sympathies in the loss of Ella. Outgoing, brilliant smile and always up for a friendly chat. Cherish your memories. They will help you through the difficult days.
Sending our deepest sympathies and wishing you all the peace that comes from knowing her memory will shine forever in your hearts ♥️
Ella welcomed everyone into her home and had so much love 💕 for all, she will be missed immensely by all who knew her.
I’m sure Wally welcomed her with open arms, together again !
So sorry for your loss.
Our sincere sympathy to the Tibbo families.Ella was a wonderful lady.She will be with Wally again.
Our Deepest Sympathy to all of the Tibbo and MacDonald families. Ella was a wonderful caring woman loved by all who knew her. RIP
Our condolences to the Tibbo family on the loss of a wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
Our deepest sympathies to the Tibbo family
Our sincere condolences to the family. I worked with Ella in Leask’s Grocery store years back.
I always enjoyed her company.
Christine
So sorry to the Tibbo family. I have fond memories of Aunt Ella and spending a lot of time with the Tibbo family in my childhood, some of my best memories. My Dad (Jack) loved her so much. My condolences to the family.
Sandra McDonald Eldridge