Elarian Kae Tibbetts Nichols passed away on Friday, December 31, 2021 at Terry Community Hospital; she was born on September 3, 1952, at the Terry Community Hospital in the same block. After having three sons, her parents, Roland and Mary (Smalis) Tibbetts, were happy to welcome a little girl. Elarian’s first home was on the “North Ranch” on Bracket Creek but when she was four, the family purchased and moved to the Kempton place two miles south of Terry. She attended Terry schools for all twelve grades and excelled as a runner in track and field. After graduating from THS in 1970, Elarian left for school at MSU in Bozeman where she was enrolled for one year.
In May of 1977 Elarian moved across the state to Missoula. August 10 of that year, she and Rick Nichols were married in the Presbyterian Church. Elarian and Rick had good years together. In September 1982 Julia was born and was followed by Jess in December 1984; both preemies, the babies each spent nine days in the hospital, which gave their parents great worries but they quickly grew into healthy and much-loved kids.
In l984 Rick and Elarian formed Sea-Nic Transport trucking company where Elarian worked for 18 years in the office managing 25 drivers. Elarian began office work at the Blue Mountain Veterinary Hospital and Surgery, a job she enjoyed until November 2021 when she could not work due to health concerns.
The Order of the Eastern Star was important in Elarian’s life. In 1970 she joined Terry Chapter #74; she was also a member of #19 Naomi Chapter in Victor/Stevensville and #6 Electa Chapter in Missoula. She served at Worthy Matron of #6 with Worthy Patron Ken MacMillan and was also Associate Matron for six years in Stevensville. In 2010-2011 she was honored to be the Grand Marshall of Montana with Worthy Grand Matron Margo Hellickson. In addition, Elarian enjoyed being a member of Book Club for many years.
Elarian and Rick had numerous homes, including ones on View Drive, Hiberta, and Third Street in Missoula, as well as one in Florence. In 2006 she and Rick bought a nice place out of Stevensville where she enjoyed being surrounded by her animals. Her special hobby involved horses of course! She was a member of the Bitterroot Mountettes Drill Team for ten years. She then participated in the horse events of Team Penning and Sorting and then finally barrel racing. She was “MOM” to many loveable Corgi dogs.
Cancer was horrible for Elarian. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in l995 at the age of 45. She recovered and for 18 years was cancer free. However, cancer then returned with a vengeance in 2020 and also took her husband, Rick, leading to his death in 2014.
Survivors are her daughter, Julia and son Jess (Angie) and their sons, Jasper and Jarrett. Her brothers Steve (Sue) and Ron (June) Tibbetts of Terry and nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her husband, Rick, her parents, and her brother Wesley. The family will have a memorial later in the spring in Terry.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Tim and Diane says
Rest in Peace my friend! Ride hard and fast and leave those barrels standing! I will always remember the good times we had together.
Marvin and Karen Wallace says
Sorry to hear that Elarian passed away. Our thoughts and prayers go to all of her family.
Marvin and Karen Wallace
Delores Cameron says
Our sympathy is extended to Elarian’s family, my she now rest in peace.
Diane Hoffman says
We had some fun times back in the day. Borgie would take me out when they were serving the meals and I spent time with Elarian. RIP My friend.
Alice Kranzler says
Remembering the sweet little girl I met when she was about five and I moved to Terry with my Dad, Debs, and he worked on the Tibbetts ranch so I stayed there for awhile. They were a wonderful family.
MARK DOLATTA says
SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT ELARIAN PASSING AWAY MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO FAMILY. MAY SHE REST IN PEACE
Christy Novak says
Rest in peace. Prayers to her family and all who called her a friend.
Margie Madison says
Elarian was one of the most beautiful women inside and out that I had the privilege of being friends with! She will be missed.
Mary Ann Stockhill Liles says
Dear Ron, Steve, Jess, Julia and families, I am so sorry to read of Elarian’s death. She was a beautiful person. God bless you all.
Mary Ann Liles
Barb Smalis says
Many prayers for Elarian’s family during this hard time of much sorrow. RIP Elarian!
Sincerely, Jerry and Barb
Larry and Judy Jens says
We send much sympathy to Elarian’s immediate family and to the Tibbetts family. That cancer is such a relentless disease. We have fond memories of a young Elarian growing up as a neighbor. She was a wonderful horsewoman, very athletic, and so very pretty.
John & Karen Harlan says
The ones loved the most leave the largest empty space in our lives when they are gone
Tony and Sharon Finneman says
Ron and June, we are so sorry for the loss of a beautiful soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God give you the strength and courage to weather this tragedy.
Burt, Monique, Kael, and Isis Keltner says
A wonderful lady! Glad to get to know her through a few equestrian events in Missoula when we lived there. Every time I saw her she had the biggest smile! Vaya Con Dios!
Charlene Bezdicek says
My good friend and neighbor from View Drive, so very sad to hear the news, we had so many wonderful times togeather and you made the best coffee ever. Rest In Peace my friend. Much love to your kids and family. Charlene Bezdicek
Denise Strand Stambaugh says
Condolences to the Tibbitt families. May your sister RIP and now be free of pain. Prayers.🙏🙏
Tim J Zimmerman says
Sorry for your and Ron’s lost prayers
Alane Stabler says
I am so sorry for your loss.
Your in my thoughts and prayers
Becky Stanton says
I am so sorry for your loss. I purchased my little barrel horse Tami from her when I was a freshman in high school. She had trained her and competed on successfully. I was lucky that she sold her to me. She was a wonderful horse trained by a special lady. Prayers of peace and comfort for you all
Renee J. Pirtz says
My condolences to the family. May you find comfort with your faith, and fond memories.
Andrita Harris says
Deepest sympathy and condolences for the family. So sorry Lana & June. PRAYERS RIP 🙏
Arlen And Alice Millrer says
Our Sympathy to Elarian’s family and the Tibbitts family, She was a beautiful person, God Bless you All