Larry L. Sibley
Larry L. Sibley, 84 years young, passed away on May 9, 2025, at his farm, Tollgate Gardens & Nursery. He was a beloved Husband, Dad, Friend, and Mentor and will be deeply missed by those who really knew his feisty spirit.
Larry was born on August 3, 1940, in Allegan, Michigan to Lewis C. and Mae P. (Vasicek) Sibley. Growing up on a dairy farm with a large family Larry had also worked for his dad’s oil rig company. He attended one year of college, but then his dad sold the oil business and Larry continued working for the buyer. Larry married Lynn (Yother) Reed of Battle Creek, MI in 1982 and they spent many years visiting every lighthouse in Michigan. Over the years both were known by many people in Battle Creek where they attended Dexter Lake Church and worked different jobs at Lowe’s, Sam’s Club, and Walmart.
Larry was most known as “The Paw Paw King” from Marshall, Battle Creek, and Bellevue Farmers Markets to local and international buyers of the fruit, grafted trees, and seeds. This small native fruit was a passion passed on by his late father-in-law Corwin Davis. Larry was dedicated to gardening and people could stop by the farm and find him working on the next project or tending the trees and vegetables for the local markets, co-workers, and the Southwest Michigan Food Bank of Battle Creek.
Larry leaves behind his wife of 43 years, Lynn L. Sibley; her daughter Stacy (Brian) Saxton of Hillsdale; several grandkids and great-grandchildren; siblings: Sandra Shineldecker of Ludington, Tom (Carol) Sibley of Walkerville, Virginia (Paul) Gleason of Montague, Scott (Kathy) Sibley of Powell, WY, Terry (Kim) Sibley of Hart, Tim (Lora) Sibley of Walkerville; plus a bonus daughter Kimberly (Kenneth) Klingel of Marshall with many of their family and friends. Larry was treasured by his friend and oil rig partner, Dave Gould of Hesperia; Jan (Mary) Lawson of Battle Creek; The Harrell Family of Marshall; and countless friends and colleagues. He was preceded in death by his parents, his twin sister Gerry Flanery, and sister Barbra Sue Sibley.
A mini-memorial celebrating Larry will be held on June 14, 2025, at The Marshall Area Farmers Market on Green Street from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Marshall, Michigan.
Larry will remain in our hearts, but Tollgate Gardens will not be the same without your guiding advice, farm hat, and sunflowers.