Josephine Hibbard

Josephine “Jo” Hibbard, 93, of Hamilton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Jo was known for many things—her big, caring heart, her sweet presence, her unwavering devotion to her family, her sense of stability, and her love of animals. She was the kind of person who made room for anyone or anything that needed love and care. Her family will remember her for her strength, her gentle spirit, her sassy sense of humor, and the warmth she brought to their lives.

Jo was born on February 1, 1933, in Putney, Kentucky, to Silas and Virnus (Sergent) Thompson. She was a 1950 graduate of Loyall High School in Harlan County, Kentucky.

On February 24, 1951, she married the love of her life, Oscar B. “Pat” Hibbard Jr., in Cumberland, Kentucky. Together, they built a loving family and shared a life devoted to one another. Pat and Jo also built Calvary Baptist Church in Hamilton, Ohio. They fostered a beautiful community there rooted in unconditional love and faith. Jo was Pat’s caretaker during his extended illness, giving everything she had to care for him. Pat preceded her in death on March 5, 2010.

Jo was very close to her immediate family and helped care for her parents until the end. She was preceded in death by her parents, Silas and Virnus (Sergent) Thompson; her sisters, Ruth Thompson and Wilma Jean (Robert) Lewis; and several fur babies, Fawnie, Snoopy, Bebe, Buddy, Sparkle, and Oscar.

She leaves behind her three daughters, Donna (Kevin) Thomas, Kathy (Daniel) Gill, and Patricia (David) Lohmann, all of Hamilton, Ohio; seven grandchildren: Heather (Ray Furman) Thomas of Fairfield, Ohio; Patrick (Katy) Gill of Dublin, Ohio; Bryan (Brandie) Gill of Hamilton, Ohio; Kevin (Tricia) Thomas of Hamilton, Ohio; Eric (Mandy) Thomas of Fairfield, Ohio; Nicole (Nathan) Stetter of Jacksonville, Florida; and Mitch (Amelia) Obach of Austin, Texas; and nine precious great-grandchildren: Gavin, Hannah, Kenzie, Brielle, Jenna, Caleb, Lenora, Sylas, and Sage.

She also leaves behind countless friends and loved ones who she cared about and loved deeply.

Jo was a tiny but mighty woman with so many strengths. Her greatest joy was her family, and she poured her love into them in countless ways. She made sure everyone left her house with a full belly, and she could talk about her family endlessly. She loved fiercely, cared deeply, and always seemed to have room in her heart for one more animal that needed a home.

She was proud of her Appalachian roots and loved her extended family dearly. She especially enjoyed trips to southeastern Kentucky, where she cherished time with family and staying connected to the place and people she held so close to her heart.

Her loved ones will miss her more than words can say, but they will carry her memory, her strength, her faith, and her love with them always. We hope to pass on those same qualities to the generations that come after us, just as Jo passed them on to us.

Visitation at THE WEBSTER FUNERAL HOME 3080 Homeward Way at Rt. 4, Fairfield on Wednesday September 2, 2026 at 10:30AM until the time of the funeral service at 11:30AM. Burial to follow in Rose Hill Burial Park, Hamilton. www.websterfuneralhomes.com