Mary Elizabeth “Lib” Hebard, age 98, of Knoxville, Illinois died at 12:38 AM on Monday, September 14, 2020, at her home.
She was born on March 20, 1922, in Cuba, Illinois the daughter of J. W. and Blanche E. (Berkley) Nelson. She attended and graduated from Cuba High School and then attended and graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She married Gilbert B. “Gil” Hebard on February 14, 1944, in Cuba, Illinois. He preceded her in death on October 28, 2012.
Lib taught 3rd grade at the Knoxville Grade School for many years. Her and her husband, together owned and operated Gil Hebard Guns in Knoxville, Illinois until it’s closing. She served as the accountant for the business. They also built the Knox County Historical Museum in Knoxville and then donated it to the Knox County Historical Society. She was the oldest member of the P.E.O. of 79 years.
Cremation rites will be accorded. Graveside services will be held on Friday, September 18, 2020, at 1:00 P.M. at the Knoxville Cemetery in Knoxville, Illinois. Rev. Jordan Knight will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Knox County Historical Society. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes & Crematory have been entrusted to handle her wishes. Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.Hurdhendrickfuneralhome.com
