Barbara B. Hibbard

Barbara Jeanne Butler Hibbard, 91, passed away on January 5, 2015 in Arlington. Barbara was born on September 4, 1923 in Rolla, Kansas to Lester H. Butler and Flossie C. Taylor Butler. She is preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband Fred Hibbard; her son Kurt Albert Schmale; and her brother David Sterling Butler. After growing up in Dodge City, Barbara and Fred moved to Arlington in 1961. For 26 years, she worked as a Departmental Secretary for Engineering at The University of Texas at Arlington, including working directly for the department head. After retirement in 1988, she stayed active with the UTA Retirees Club, serving as President in 2000. Her numerous passions included playing party bridge for more than 60 years, gardening, the Women’s Investment Club and environmental causes. She was ahead of her time with her dedication to organic gardening, animals and the environment – even helping reinstate the Arlington Conservation Council. While there, she and the group established the Wildscape Gardens in Veterans Park and a tree ordinance.

Barbara is survived by her brothers Noble Lynch Butler (wife Maren Miller) and Gordon Douglas Butler (wife Eula); sons Gordon Hibbard (wife Sharon) and Stephen Hibbard; grand-daughters Stephanie Schmidt (husband Jim), Casey Hibbard (husband Scott), Lauren Blankenship (husband Todd) and Sarah Hibbard; and great-grandchildren Rachel Schmidt, Katelyn Schmidt, James Connor Schmidt and Tarn Walnum. She leaves her family a legacy of compassion for others and our world, and countless treasured memories of her love for us.

Visitation: Friday, January 9, 6-8 pm at Moore Funeral Home, 1219 N. Davis in Arlington. Funeral services: Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 11 am at Grace Lutheran Church, where Barbara was a member, at 210 West Park Row Drive in Arlington. Graveside service follows at Parkdale Cemetery at 701 South Mary Street in Arlington.