Janet “Jan” Hibbert

Janet “Jan” Hibbert, passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, October 23, 2010, in Lawrence, Ks, eighteen days before her 92nd birthday. Jan was preceded in death by Jack, her husband of 66 years who passed away May 8, 2010 (b May 17, 1918). As were their wishes, a private, family service will be held to scatter their ashes together at their grave site in Eureka, IL. Jan was born November 10, 1918, in Eureka, Illinois, to Flossie May (Petri) and John Emery Harper. She graduated from Peoria High School and attended Brown’s Business College of Peoria, IL. She was married January 1, 1944, to John “Jack” Salmon Hibbert at her grandparent’s farm in Elmwood, Illinois. After a few moves, Jan and Jack settled in Topeka, Kansas, in 1957.

One of Jan’s legacies is the value of hard work. Unlike the majority of women in her time, Jan worked full-time after graduating high school until her retirement. Her final career was as a devoted employee of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for over 28 years, retiring in 1985. She was a member of Telephone Pioneers until her death. After selling their store in Topeka, Jack’s Paint & Wallpaper, Jan and Jack enjoyed their retirement in Green Valley, AZ for 16 yrs.

Until retirement, Jan enjoyed preparing and hosting family holiday meals. After retirement and having prepared daily meals for her family for so long, Jan took great joy in eating out with family members, often picking up the tab. In retirement, Jan was a consummate reader, crossword puzzle master, and card player, enjoying playing cards with the family up until a few weeks before her passing.

Jan took great pride in her family. She is survived by her daughters, Teresa Lind and husband John White, Mary and husband Larry Patch, and Sandra and husband Bill Hemstreet. Her family includes 8 grandchildren: Brandon and Steven (Krystal) Lind; Sarah (Derek Kleinmann) and Michael Patch; Scott, Matt, Mitzi, and Brett (Jennifer) Hemstreet. Jan’s legacy continues in 7 great grandchildren: Reyna, Jackson, Chloe, Kayleigh, Jacob, Starr, Quinton, and 1 on the way: Baby Boy Kleinmann.

Jan is also survived by two beloved sisters and their husbands: Carol & Bill Hawkins of Springfield, MO and Marietta & Joe Christman of Green Valley, AZ; as well as 2 nieces & 2 nephews along with their families. A, niece Reverend Elizabeth Hawkins (age 49) preceded her in death.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Pioneer Ridge of Lawrence, KS; the nurses & aides of Lawrence Memorial Hospital; Dr. Cheryl Rice; and a special note of gratitude to Dr. Charles Yockey whose medical care of & heartfelt concern for our mother and father were very appreciated and of great comfort to the family.

In appreciation, the family designates Grace Hospice at 1420 Wakarusa, Ste 202, Lawrence, KS 66049, for memorial contributions.

Online condolences may be left at www.rumsey-yost.com.