Hector "Manny" Ibarra

Manuel, “Manny” Ibarra passed on to heaven on August 10, 2017. 

Hector Manuel Ibarra Barbeitia was born on November 1, 1929, in El Fuerte, Mexico.  From humble beginnings in Mexico, Manuel immigrated to the U.S. with his beloved mother and brother, Blas, in 1944 at the age of 14.  They wove their way through several states working with seasonal crops, finally settling in Powell where he worked in farm operations.  He proudly became a U.S. citizen in 1969.

In 1951, he married Phyllis Hernandez who he loved unconditionally throughout their 65 years of marriage.  His devotion to and passion for Phyllis never wavered.

Manuel and Phyllis were blessed with eight children:  Irene, Mary Ellen, Blanche, Mario, Susan, Dian, Benco, and David.  Manuel’s life mission was as a provider for his children and wife.  To that end, he left farming to start a long career with Marathon Oil where his sense of pride and dedication to his work enabled him to complete tasks to near perfection.

Devoted to his Catholic faith, Manuel never missed a Mass.  Everyday ended with him sitting on the edge of his bed saying his nightly prayers and reading devotionals.  He and Phyllis shared their strong faith with their children. 

As an avid fisherman, he was happy to bring home the largest trout he could to have a nice family dinner.  His children and grandchildren remember their first fishing experiences with Grandpa who taught them to hold a worm and to cast as far as they could.  He delighted in taking others to fish and in catching as many fish as possible.  Manuel also enjoyed gardening, producing an abundance of vegetables he shared with many.

Manuel is survived by his wife, Phyllis; brother, Blas; his eight daughters and sons, Irene (Armando), Mary Ellen (Earl), Blanche (Steve), Mario (Troy), Susan (Mark), Dian, Benco (Sonja), David (Tracy); his grandchildren, Joshua Roehr, Kylah Bowers, Micah Roehr,  Jordan, Ryne, and Tanner IbarraBrooks Robinson, Kelsey and Spencer Ibarra, Addi and Teal Jenkins, Sydney and Chase Ausen,  Lindsey and Jacey Ibarra; seven great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and sisters and brothers in-law.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Lupe Ibarra, his father, Blas Ibarra, and his sister Rosalva Gomez.

The Rosary will be held at 6:30 p.m. at St. Barbara’s Catholic Church on Sunday, August 13, with the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 14.  Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery in Powell.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Barbara’s Catholic Church.