Longtime Devils Lake Resident Christina Tibbs Dies at 90

Tibbs was known for her involvement in the Devils Lake Yacht Club and her active retirement in Florida.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Christina Louise 'Chris' Tibbs, a longtime resident of Devils Lake, Michigan, passed away on February 17, 2026 at the age of 90. Tibbs was born in 1936 in Monroe, Michigan and spent much of her life connected to Devils Lake, where she was heavily involved with the local yacht club. After her husband Jack's passing, Tibbs moved to Florida for several years before returning to her Devils Lake condo in her later years. She is remembered as a strong-willed, generous, and optimistic individual who remained active and independent throughout her life.

Why it matters

Tibbs' story highlights the enduring connection that some families maintain with a particular place, even as their lives take them elsewhere. Her deep roots in the Devils Lake community and her ability to stay engaged there, even in retirement, speak to the power of local institutions like the yacht club to foster a sense of belonging. Tibbs' life also underscores the importance of family, faith, and an adventurous spirit in navigating life's later stages.

The details

Tibbs was born to Arthur and Gladys Goetz in 1936 and spent her childhood summers at Devils Lake. She married Jack Tibbs in 1957 and they built a house on the southwest end of the lake, raising their three children there. Tibbs was heavily involved with the Devils Lake Yacht Club, serving as the race committee chairperson for many years. After Jack's death, Tibbs spent several years living in Florida, where she was known as the 'Mayor of Searise' for her efforts to welcome newcomers. In her later years, Tibbs returned to her Devils Lake condo, where she was able to remain independent with the help of caregivers, continuing to enjoy activities like card games despite declining health.

  • Tibbs was born on May 12, 1936 in Monroe, Michigan.
  • Tibbs married Jack Tibbs in 1957.
  • Tibbs owned Tibbs IGA until 2013.
  • Tibbs passed away on February 17, 2026 at the age of 90.
  • A Celebration of Life for Tibbs will take place on May 9, 2026.

The players

Christina Louise 'Chris' Tibbs

A longtime resident of Devils Lake, Michigan who was heavily involved with the local yacht club and spent her later years dividing time between Florida and her Devils Lake condo.

Jack Tibbs

Tibbs' husband, with whom she ran the family business and raised their three children on Devils Lake.

Hospice of Lenawee

The hospice organization that supported Tibbs in her final days.

Arthur and Gladys Goetz

Tibbs' parents, with whom she spent summers at Devils Lake as a child.

Joseph Tibbs, Elizabeth Tibbs, and Jane Tibbs

Tibbs' three children.

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What’s next

A Celebration of Life for Christina Tibbs will take place on May 9, 2026, with the time and location to be announced at a later date.

The takeaway

Tibbs' life exemplifies the power of community, family, and an adventurous spirit to sustain one through life's later stages. Her deep roots in Devils Lake and her ability to remain engaged there, even as her life took her elsewhere, speak to the enduring importance of local institutions and traditions in fostering a sense of belonging.