Jane Alkire Hibberd, 81, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Friday, March 16th, 2012, at the Lexington Regional Health Center in Lexington.

Jane was born on April 19th, 1930, in Lexington, Nebraska, to Leonard and Helen (Teets) Alkire.

She graduated from Lexington High School in 1948 and attended Nebraska Wesleyan. After her children entered public school, she enrolled at Kearney State College and earned a BA followed by a MA in Elementary education (magna cum laude).

Jane taught second grade at Bryan Elementary for 24 years influencing the lives and education of hundreds of young people.

She was united in marriage to William C. Hibberd on May 12th, 1951. This union produced three sons: Charles, Brian and James Hibberd.

Jane was a devoted mother to her children and grandchildren, always engaged in their education and activities. She inspired them to become better educated, more productive citizens and valued members of their communities. Jane was actively engaged in the First United Methodist Church in a variety of service roles including United Methodist Women and ESL classes for new Lexington residents. Jane loved her friends and enjoyed her membership in Chapter GR P.E.O., the Lexington Investors group and strong supporter of the Lexington Community Foundation. She loved to travel and ventured to Eastern Europe, China and Alaska.

Survivors include three sons and their families, Chuck and Janel Hibberd of West Lafayette, Indiana and children, Matt of St. Louis and Katie of West Lafayette, Indiana; Brian Hibberd of Bremerton, Washington and children, Jenni and Christopher of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Jim and Marcia Hibberd of Longmont, Colorado and son, Ben of Longmont; brother, David and June Alkire of Matthews, North Carolina and sisters-in-law, Dee and Dale Kugler of Lexington and Rosie Jelden of Greeley, Colorado.

Jane is preceded in death by her husband, William C. Hibberd; brother, Leonard Eugene Alkire and parents, Leonard and Helen (Teets) Alkire.

Memorial Celebration of Life Service was held Monday, March 19th, 2012, at 11 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington with the Rev. Tess Hufford officiating. Burial was held prior to the memorial service at Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington.

Memorials are suggested to Lexington Community Foundation, First United Methodist Church or the donor's choice. Please forward condolences to the family via the funeral website at: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington was in charge of arrangements.