ERNEST F TARBERT

Ernest Floyd Tarbert passed away Nov.10, 2019 at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby. Ernie as he is called by family was born in Libby, Oct. 28, 1938 to Luceile and Roy Tarbert at his grandparents’ home on Spencer Rd.

As a young boy the family moved to a ranch called Rogers Bar in Washington. After a short time there the family moved back to Libby where he attended grade school and high school. While just shy of 16, he was hired on as a signalman in 1953 with Great Northern Railroad. With the merging of Great Northern and Burlington Railroad he then went to work for J. Neils Lumber Company. After several years at the mill he went into the logging industry.

In June 1959 Ernie married Helen Johns of Priest River, Idaho. They celebrated their 61st anniversary this year. To this union they became the parents of 5 daughters, Dawn, Melanie, Robin, Kelly, and Cheryl.

Ernie enjoyed fishing, hunting, summers in the Yaak building a small cabin that was a place of relaxation, playing his guitar at the Libby Care Center with the group on Tues. nights. A favorite pastime was having monthly luncheons with his classmates.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Thelma, two granddaughters Tara and Reah, a great-grandson Odon.

Ernie is survived by his wife Helen, his 5 daughters, 19 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, brothers Don, Leonard, Kim, also several nieces and nephew and cousins.

There will be a public visitation and viewing Sat. Nov. 16, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby.  A Celebration of Ernie’s Life will take place in the summer of 2020 and will be announced.   In lieu of flowers the family encourages to donate to charity of your choice.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.