Sallie Ann (Stivers) Hobbs

Mrs. Sallie Ann (Stivers) Hobbs of Helotes, Texas passed away on November 18, 2020, she was 78 years old, and would have turned 79 the following day. Mrs. Hobbs was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, George David Hobbs; son, Joshua Kendal Hobbs; and parents, Mr. Noel Kenneth Stivers and Mrs. Willabelle Stivers. Mrs. Hobbs is survived by; son Michael David Hobbs (Kendra); daughter Richelle Ann Love (Phillip); and many Grand and Great-Grand Children whom she loved dearly.

Sallie Ann was born on November 19, 1941, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma to parents, Noel Kenneth and Willabelle (Shull) Stivers. She grew up as an only child in Ellinwood, Kansas. Her family moved several times during her childhood, including one year they spent in Wichita, KS where she met George Hobbs at Maize High School. Eventually, they moved back to Ellinwood and she graduated from Ellinwood High School, Class of 1959. She attended one semester at Fort Hays State University, in Hays, KS pursuing an accounting degree. During her time at Fort Hays, she began studying the Bible regularly, and she was thrilled to learn that God had a name. (Ps. 83:18)

On January 29, 1960 she married George D. Hobbs in Great Bend, KS. Together, on June 4, 1960 they were baptized as Jehovah’s Witnesses in Dodge City, KS. Shortly after their baptism, Sallie and George moved back to the Wichita area and began welcoming their children. First was Michael, in 1961, then Richelle, in 1963. Sallie had always wanted a family and enjoyed staying home with her children.

In 1968, Sallie acquired a cosmetology license from Modern School of Cosmetology, in Wichita. She ran Sallie’s Beauty Shop out of her home in Maize, KS, until the birth of their third child Joshua in 1972. She stayed home with Joshua for a few years until she joined her husband, George, at his shop – Westborough Barbershop, in the Westborough Arms Shopping Center in Wichita, KS. When Sallie joined, it was then renamed the Westborough Style Shop. In 1982, the Style Shop was renamed again, to Freddie’s Hair Stylists. There, Sallie worked and kept the books, until the death of her husband George in 2014, and Freddie’s closed it’s doors.

Throughout her life, Sallie enjoyed spending time in the ministry. She loved sharing her faith with others and teaching them Bible truths. She adored her grandchildren, and in 2008 she and George became great-grandparents for the first time. To date, Sallie had welcomed 7 great-grandchildren.

Sallie loved animals, especially cats, taking walks, spending time outdoors, riding her John Deere mower, playing cards, doing puzzles, shopping, doing historical research, and going in the ministry with her dear brothers and sisters. She and George were always gardening and spending time in their yard. They would often travel to visit family and you would always find them on the dance floor “cuttin’ a rug” at parties.

Following the death of her husband in 2014, Sallie moved to Texas to be closer to family. She and her dog Jake, were inseparable. He was her constant companion and helped her through many difficult times, including the deaths of both George and her youngest son, Josh. She deeply grieved the losses but was comforted by many of her new and also lifelong friends, all of which were sticking “closer than a brother” to her (Ps.18:24). She was very close to her congregation and was doing wonderful through the Covid pandemic. She was very active writing letters to people and “having a lot of fun” telling them about God’s Kingdom. She held firm to her hope of a resurrection, soon to come, and never lost sight of a paradise future. (Rev. 21:3, 4)

In honor of Sallie’s wishes, arrangements will be kept private.

In lieu of flowers, she would love donations to be made at www.donate.jw.org.

On behalf of Sallie’s family, we want to thank you all for your wonderful support and friendship that you provided her throughout the years. She truly loved all of you dear friends, both old and new. We ask that you please share a fond memory with us in the comments and thank you for your ongoing support.