Inga Ibey

In Loving Memory of Inga Ann Ibey, 90

Inga Ann Ibey, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, left her earthly home on February 5, 2024, to join her heavenly family, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of love. With a heart as vast as the Montana skies she called home, Inga was a beacon of warmth, quick wit, and joy to all who knew her.

Born on April 16, 1933, she grew up in the rugged beauty of Big Hole, Montana. Inga was the daughter of Beatrice E. Burton and Charles Burton. Alongside her two brothers, John and Harry, Inga grew up amid the simplicity and serenity of rural life, tending to the land, milking cows, raising chickens, and riding horses.

In pursuit of knowledge and a passion for teaching, Inga attended the University of Montana, where she earned her Bachelor's degrees in Arts and Education. It was during these formative years that she met the love of her life, Earnest Ibey, a dashing Navy man. On August 21, 1954, in Dillon, Montana, Inga and Earnest exchanged vows, embarking on a journey of love and partnership that lasted over four decades until Earnest's passing in 1996.

Together, Inga and Earnest were blessed with five children: Tim, Charles, Douglas, Eric, and Dolly. Their home was filled with laughter, love, and the aroma of freshly baked bread, scones, and cinnamon rolls-testaments to Inga's culinary prowess and her ability to infuse every moment with warmth and comfort.

Beyond her roles as wife and mother, Inga was a pillar of her community and a friend to many. For over 60 years, she indulged in the timeless tradition of bridge, forming bonds and creating memories with her fellow players. She found solace and exhilaration in the great outdoors, skiing down snow-covered slopes, rafting along rushing rivers, and exploring the wonders of the world.

Inga's zest for life knew no bounds as she traversed the globe, visiting over 23 countries and immersing herself in diverse cultures and experiences. Whether she was dancing to the rhythm of music or whipping up culinary delights in her kitchen, Inga's radiant spirit illuminated every room she entered.

In addition to her roles as a wife, mother, and friend, Inga cherished her role as grandma and great-grandmother, delighting in the laughter and joy of her extended family.

Though she has bid farewell to this world, Inga's legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Inga Ann Ibey is survived by her children, Tim (Kate), Charles, Douglas (Debbie), Eric (Lani), and Dolly (Fred), her brother John Burton and his wife Marcella, along with seventeen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and relatives and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

The family will be holding a celebration of Inga's life on June 29, 2024, at family cabin in Seeley Lake, MT, where friends and loved ones will gather to honor her remarkable journey and the indelible mark she left on the world. May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace.