Raymond "Ray" Lee Hibbard

Ray Hibbard, as he preferred to be called, was born to Avis Lillian Ferguson and Ray Francis Hibbard in Sisquoc, CA, on February 6, 1938. He passed from this life Thursday, December 29, 2022, in Edmond, OK, at the age of 84. He was reared all the years of his youth in that rural community, east of Santa Maria, CA. Most of those years were spent with his paternal grandparents, Frank and Martha Hibbard, or “Pop and Grandma”.

After spending the fall semester of his H.S. freshman year with his dad, in Modesto, CA, he returned to Santa Maria, moved in with his mother, Avis Ardantz and began attending church with her, his step-dad, Raymond Ardantz and 2 sisters, Cleta and Darlene Hibbard. After learning about Jesus Christs’ sacrifice for our sins, he was baptized into Christ, at about 16 or 17 years of age.

Ray met the one who became the love of his life, Treva Baker, at church and both were involved in the church youth group activities. On January 3, 1958, Ray and Treva were married in Santa Maria. Two years later, their first baby, Carolyn Elaine, was born, and soon after her birth they decided to move to Phoenix, AZ where Ray was offered the position of shop foreman for Radco, an aluminum glass company he was working for. While they were in Phoenix, their second child and first son was born, Vernon Ray. They soon placed membership with a small church in Glendale AZ. They had two wonderful elders, who led the church and taught the young men to teach, preach, lead singing, prayers and many other things that young men in the church need to know. Ray really grew spiritually!

After 3 years in that hot climate, they sold their first little house, and moved back to cool Santa Maria. Soon, God added another to their little family, Michael Lee. A while after returning to Santa Maria, Ray was installed as a deacon in the church. He was very dedicated to this appointment, in which he became very instrumental in getting the bus ministry started and operational, using their own home neighbor-hood to begin this work, and their own children to do the running to the doors, etc.

Also, this was the period of time they were privileged to attend the Yosemite Family Bible Encampment for about 4 years straight. This was a very exciting and encouraging experience for the whole family. They made Santa Maria their home until September 1975.

They decided to move to Sublette KS where Ray began working with Treva’s uncle, Glenn Baker, in construction. Eventually, Ray started his own construction business, Hibbard & Sons; by this time his own sons were working with him. While in Sublette, Ray helped in the construction of a new church building, and was also installed as an elder.

In 1987 they made a move to Fayetteville, AR, and another career change. Growing chickens, was much easier on him than building houses. They placed membership with the Elkins church of Christ and in a couple years, Ray was installed as an elder. One of the many enjoyable experiences they had there in the church was aiding with the Ken and Judy Kendall-Ball’s ministry in South Africa. Their work with the Kendall-Balls lasted for about 20 years, even still enjoying visiting with them!

Ray served on the Mount Olive Rural Water Board in Washington County, AR for 6 years, and also the Gospel Tracts Ministry Board for about 10 years.

In 1997 the family moved into a beautiful home Ray built for their retirement, which they enjoyed for 20 years. Due to age and declining health they sold their home and moved to Edmond, OK, to be near their daughter, Carolyn and family. They have enjoyed their new friends they have made in Edmond, including all the wonderful Christians at Memorial Road church of Christ, and wish to thank all of you for your love and friendship you have given them!

Ray enjoyed many activities with his family, including camping, fishing, hunting, all their children’s school activities, playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but his main focus in life was serving God.

Ray is survived by his loving wife, Treva, as well as their 3 children, Carolyn Donaghey of Edmond OK, Vernon and Janine Hibbard, RVers, and Mike and Deb Hibbard, of Franklin, NC. Also 9 grandchildren: Nick Donaghey and wife, Meghan of E Wenatchee, WA, Alicia and husband Chance Johnson of Owasso, OK and Gracie Donaghey of Edmond OK; Lauren and husband Clint Mundell of Walsh, CO, Micah and husband Aaron Williamson of Prescott Valley, AZ, Mason and wife, Kyli Hibbard of Seiling OK, and Gentry Hibbard of Santa Clara, CA; and Garrett Hibbard of Evansville, IN and Mikaela and husband, Parker Brown of Brookland, AR. Also 11 great-grandchildren: Caden, MaKenna, Carys, and Teagan Donaghey; Hannah Johnson; Brig and Dax Mundell; Sterling, Savanah, and Sierra Williamson; and Taw Hibbard.

He is also survived by his sister and husband, Darlene and John Ventura of Santa Maria, CA and their 4 sons and families, and other nephews and nieces. Ray will also be missed by many friends.

Ray and Treva enjoyed almost 65 years of marriage together. They made it their goal in life to keep God in their marriage, always asking Him to guide them when they made decisions. They hope the legacy that they leave for their family and friends will inspire them to be true to their Lord.

Ray’s family would like to extend their deepest thanks to the loving and caring staff of Brookdale Senior Living, Santa Fe, of Edmond, OK, for their loving care for Ray and his family during his stay there.

A celebration of life for Ray will be held Friday, January 6, 2023 at 3:00 PM at Memorial Road Church of Christ, 2221 E Memorial Rd, Edmond, OK 73013.

Serving as pallbearers are Vernon Hibbard, Michael Hibbard, Nick Donaghey, Mason Hibbard, Garrett Hibbard, Aaron Williamson, Clint Mundell, Chance Johnson and Parker Brown.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ray's memory may be made to Gospel Tracts International, 2125 North Center Street, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701 US, https://www.gospeltractsinternational.com/support.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemorialParkOKC.com for the Hibbard family.