Novy Ensor Hubbard

In his 82nd year, Novy passed into the arms of his waiting Savior on Monday, July 9th, 2018 at 9:20pm. Novy was the beloved husband of Ellen Jane for over 50 years who preceded him in death June 18, 2008.

Novy was born on May 4, 1936 to Alfred A. and Amzel B. Hubbard in English, Indiana. He was one of five children: Mary Jane (Bob) Watson, Betty Lou (Bill) Miller, Elmer Dean (Priscilla) Hubbard, and Maude Alice (Ed) Francis.

After graduating from English High School (English, Indiana) in 1954, Novy began his career at General Electric (Appliance Park) in Louisville. He retired from GE in 1992 after 37 years of service.

He married Ellen Jane on February 21, 1958, and they moved to Lanesville where they raised their four children, spending time divided between their Lanesville home and working the Hubbard family farm in English, Indiana. Throughout his entire life, Novy enjoyed family camping, boating, vacationing, and traveling to see many of our country’s landmarks from Alaska to Florida, Maine to California, and also Canada, Mexico, and everything in-between.

After Ellen’s passing, Novy found a travel companion with an old family friend, Sue Cline. Together they flew, cruised, and drove to many new vacation destinations. They enjoyed their time laughing and visiting friends and family. There was barely a breath of silence between them as they talked, laughed and shared familiar stories. Sue preceded Novy in death on December 6, 2017.

He was widely known in Kentuckiana as “The Ox Man.” Novy, Ellen, and daughter, Sheri, were seen at many parades and demonstrations throughout Southern Indiana and the Greater Louisville Area. They participated in such events as the Indiana State Fair, Pegasus Parade in Louisville, and Harvest Homecoming Parade in New Albany. Novy enjoyed his oxen and wanted to continue the tradition of showing them and their work. One of his most enjoyable demonstrations was with the “Hay Press” at the O’Bannon Woods State Forest in Harrison County, Indiana. “Hubbard’s Oxen”, as the team was known, had won over 100 trophies, awards, commendations, certificates until Novy stopped demonstrating in 2015.

Novy was a man who never met a stranger, and never had a bad word to say about anyone. All were welcomed in his home. He was a wonderful care taker for Ellen, his mother and others, always helping neighbors, relatives and friends whenever he could. He enjoyed his garden, planting and growing tomatoes for most of the neighborhood and “half of Crawford County!” For many years, he loved hosting his 4th of July picnics. You always knew to be at Novy’s the first Saturday in July! Many friends and family came from all over including Florida, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Michigan. It was a great place for laughs, fellowship and it’s not surprising to hear people say they learned generosity and kindness just by observing Novy’s actions and words. He loved a good story and wasn’t at a loss to poke fun at himself.

Novy was a member of the Mt. Zion Methodist Church, a Mason, and an active member of the Masonic Lodge in New Albany. He was a lifetime member of the Southern Indiana Draft Horse and Mule Association.

He is survived by his four children: Alfred Eugene (Glennis) Hubbard of Ortonville, Michigan; Sheri Lynn (Eddie) Watson of Lanesville, Indiana; Barbara Jean Hubbard of New Albany, Indiana; and Mark Stevens Hubbard of Louisville, Kentucky. He is also survived by his four grandchildren: Shaun Charles Edward (Laura) Watson of Joplin, MO; William Novy (Abby) Hubbard of Berkley, MI; Hanna Alison Hubbard, and Emma Grace Hubbard of Ortonville, MI and two great grandchildren: Toby Jedidiah and Taylor Judah Watson. Novy had many beloved nephews, nieces, cousins, great nephews and great nieces. He had wonderful neighbors and friends. All loved him greatly.

Lastly, the family wishes to sincerely thank Baptist Health Hospital (Floyd) and Hosparus, its doctors, nurses and staff for their excellent care they help provide to Novy in his last few weeks. A special thanks to our family, neighbors, and friends who helped him during his brief illness. And, to all that knew and loved him, “They are all just amazing people…”

Visitation will be 10:00 am ~ 8:00pm Friday, July 13th, and after 9:00 am Saturday, July 14th, at the Kraft Charlestown Road Chapel. His Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, July 14th, in the Kraft Charlestown Road Chapel with burial to follow in Kraft-Graceland Memorial Park.

Expressions of Sympathy to: Hosparus of Southern Indiana, 502 Hausfeldt Lane, New Albany, IN 47150-9911 or 800-264-0521 or www.hosparus.org

Online condolences to www.kraftfs.com