Barbara Ann Kibler, age 86, passed away November 23, 2014 at the Garfield County Health Center.
Barbara Ann Thompson was born to George and Romaine Kearney Thompson on October 9, 1928. She joined sisters Jean and Adele. Later little sister Kay joined the family. Ann’s father was a coal miner and her mother was the secretary for Brockway Glass Company and a school teacher.
Ann attended schools in Brockway, Pennsylvania and worked for Brockway Glass Company throughout high school. She graduated from Pennsylvania State University and she received a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education. After graduation she boarded a train in Brockway, Pennsylvania and came to Brockway, Montana. Ann taught school at Van Norman. Her students included Randy and Donny Billing and Bobby Kerr. She had many stories of her first horse-back rides and how well she was welcomed by the community.
Ann married Dean Kibler on May 24, 1952. They leased the McKerlick Place until 1955 with Dean’s brother, Keith Kibler. Their first home was the McKerlick bunk house, which still stands today. They raised sheep and trailed them from Jordan to Fairview across Fort Peck Dam. Ann told of when they were crossing the dam and darkness overtook them. They bedded the band down where they thought they wouldn’t be a nuisance and retired for the night. When they awoke in the morning, they discovered they had bedded down in the middle of the golf course in the small town of Fort Peck!
Ann and Dean purchased their ranch from Clem and Edith Larson in 1958 for $12 per acre. They raised sheep and cattle and paid off their purchase in 1978. Ann had many happy memories of all the company that spent time on the ranch during the summer. Many nephews and nieces looked forward to their summer “vacation” at Dean and Ann’s!
Following Dean’s passing, Ann added to the family ranch in 1982 when she purchased the Wilson Place from Dick Wilson. Ann returned to college in the fall of 1980. There she received her second Bachelor’s degree, this one in Accounting. Ann continued ranching and “retired” in late 1999 when she decided it was time “to pass on the reins”. She resided at her home on the ranch and enjoyed company and “spoiling” her grandchildren.
Ann served as clerk of Benzien School District for many, many years as well as on many boards including Garfield County Bank Board and the Garfield County Library Board. She also served as the Wool Pool Secretary and worked as Clerk and Recorder of Garfield County.
Ann is survived by her son Myron (Mary Beth) Kibler of Sand Springs, daughter Carol (Robert) McNutt of Arcanum, Ohio, daughter Katie (Mark) Johnson of Sand Springs, daughter Diane (Wyatt) Colvin of Sand Springs; grandchildren Misty (Jason) DeWitt, Rick (Melissa) Kibler, Brent (Nea) McNutt, Shelley McNutt, Lennae (Todd) Wilkins, Ethan Johnson, Raina Johnson, Melanie Johnson, Shelby Colvin and Walker Colvin; great-grandchildren Rebekka and Raelyn DeWitt, Eric Kibler, Connor, Brittani, Mark and Kaitlynn McNutt; her sister Kay (Bill) Danik of Yuba City, CA; sisters-in-law Lucele Halfacre of Anchorage, AK and Doris Thomas of West Minister, CO and numerous nephews and nieces.
She was preceded in death by her husband Dean, parents George and Romaine Thompson, sisters Jean Uplinger and Adele Ferguson, in-laws Fred and Louise Kibler, Marvin and Alice Meyer, Keith and Shirley Kibler, Tom Thomas, Wayne Uplinger and Dwight “Ferg” Ferguson.
Ann always hated funerals and swore she would not attend her own and would prefer a party instead. Her family is planning a reunion in her memory in the summer of 2015.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2014 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 pm at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Jordan. Following her express wishes graveside services will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in the family plot at the Pioneer Cemetery in Jordan. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Garfield County Ambulance Fund or to a charity of your choice.
Ronda Rogge says
So sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Glen and Teena Bollinger says
To Ann’s Family,
Our deepset sympathy to all the family on your loss. God Bless!
Glen and Teena
Mitzi beecher says
My thoughts and prayers go out to the killer family
Mitzi beecher
Jo Ryan says
My most sincere condolences to all the Kibler Family. I will be thinking of you all at this hard time in your life.
Callie & Steve Randall, Kenneth & Marilyn Clay says
To Ann’s Family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. We will be thinking of her and the memories we shared. We are so thankful that we were able to see her this past May. Your parents were such great neighbors and made everyone feel welcome when entering their home. If there’s anything we can do, please let us know.
Matt and Jeana Bliss says
So sorry to hear of the loss of Ann. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Ron & Becky Stanton says
Our sincere sympathies go out to the Kibler family. Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Muff Engdahl says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the families. So sorry for your loss, Ann was a very special lady, so many great memories of her that will always be cherished.
Laurie knudson says
So sorry to hear of your lost my prayers are with the family. Ann was like a second other to me growing up what a nice lady. I’m sure she will missed by many
Nedra Drew Vander Vorste says
So, so sorry to hear of your loss…..Myron, Katie, and Diane! I never really knew Carol, but you are all in my thoughts! I so enjoyed Ann! She was a true country lady! I will be thinking of all the Kibler family in the coming days….you are in my thoughts and prayers…..
Todd Larson says
What does one say to comfort those who have lost their mother, there is not much to ease that pain, I know, I’ve been there. I am truly sorry to see some really great people lose someone so dear as Ann and it does not seem fair because so many were not done loving her. All I can say to Ann’s wonderful family is to hold on to those memories, especially the fun ones because they will see you through some rough times ahead. Hold on to each other and love one another because the love of a family is its strength. My heart is heavy, it’s so sad to lose your mother and my heart goes to each one of you. On behalf of my sisters and myself, we are truly sorry for your loss and you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary Alice Murnion says
I am sorry to hear Ann has passed away. She was a remarkable lady and Garfield County has lost another of it’s finest. My sympathy to all the family. When Mystie was small and she was working at the courthouse, she picked Mystie up every morning and took her to school, saving me many many trips to town, I was forever grateful for that.
Mary Alice Murnion
Debbie Weyer says
Katie & family. So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She lived a very happy life & loved her family very much. Let your memories help you thru this difficult time. “DEATH leaves a heartache no one can heal, LOVE leaves a memory no one can steal.” author unknown.
Cindy Stanton says
My sincerest sympathy to Ann ‘ s family and friends. She was truly a gem and will be missed.
Connie Blonigen says
I am saddened to hear of Ann’s passing. My sincerest condolences go out to her family and friends.
Sandra Barclay says
So sorry for your loss. Ann has left a lasting impression on many. My thoughts are with you. May you find comfort in your many wonderful memories of your Mother. She truly was a gem.
kristy harbaugh says
So sorry for you loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
John & Jenny Frady says
So sorry for your loss. Ann was a wonderful Lady. our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Harold and Pamala Davis says
So Sorry for your loss
Lyda Meyer Bowker says
Sorry to hear of Anns passing, I always enjoyed visiting wiith her when we were meeting Marvin and Alice to take them on their journey in Montana.
Diane (Rath) Hewett says
So very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Please know that I am thinking of all of you as you mourn her loss. May you find comfort in each other and the memories you will share about her. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Diane (Rath) Hewett
Buster and Irene Pluhar says
Sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was a wonderful beautiful lady. Hold on to all the beautiful and loving memories to help carry you though this sorrowful time. Our thoughts and prayers our with you.
Buster and Irene Pluhar
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Sending Condolences and Prayer for all of Anns Family May you find comfort in Gods Love and the great memories you have. She was a Great Lady.
Edwin and Janet Clark says
Our deepest prayers and thoughts for your family at this time. Remember the good times, forget the sad times, may your memories give you comfort.
Patricia Haney Wallace says
I was sorry to hear of Ann’s passing. She was my 6th and 7th grade teacher at the Woody Creek School by the Burgess ranch. This was the first school she taught at. I remember her as a good teacher. I never met any of you, her family, but am sorry for your loss.
Dr. Roland L. Grant says
My deepest sympathy to the family of a dear friend and former student. Thank you for the privilege to allow me to hunt on your ranch with my son Jay, who just turned 50. Your mother was a great student and one that taught the professor as well. Grace and God’s Peace be with you all.
Susan Pihl-Niederman says
Dear friends Katie, Diane, Carol, Myron and families,
Loving thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We loved your Mom and have great memories that we will always cherish.
Susan and family
Kristi beecher/ larsen says
im so sorry thoughts and prays are with the family
Gloria and DJ Milroy says
Holding all of Ann’s family in thought and prayer. May your many memories of happy times be of a comfort to all of you. Those we hold close in our hearts and memories are never truly gone from us. May the Lord walk with each of you.
Mike Witt says
My deepest sympathy to all the “Kibler Kids”.
Mike Witt
Lena Haney Anderson says
So sorry to hear about Ann’s passing, she was a good teacher and person. She was my teacher too at the Burgess ranch. So sorry of your loss to her family. May God be with you.
Lena Anderson