Jean Zollinger Hibbard

Jean Zollinger Hibbard, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, returned to her Heavenly Father with peace and grace after a life of devotion, service, and unshakable faith. Born on June 10, 1948, in the small farming community of College Ward, Utah, Jean was the cherished daughter of Melvin and Elaine Zollinger.

Raised on a farm, Jean learned the value of hard work from an early age and cherished the joy of childhood alongside her beloved twin sister. That same grit and drive stayed with her for life, whether she was attending Utah State University, running a household, raising five daughters, or crafting heirloom-quality porcelain dolls. Jean’s hands were rarely still—she crocheted beautifully, put together puzzles with her family, played cards with a wandering eye, and always had a Coke in hand and a book nearby.

Jean met the love of her life, Paul Merrill Hibbard, and they were sealed together for time and all eternity on January 15, 1970, in the Logan Utah Temple. Their marriage was a true partnership and an example of faith and devotion. Together they served a mission in Moscow, Idaho.

A perfectionist at heart, Jean kept an immaculate home and passed on her tireless work ethic to her daughters. She was sassy, spirited, and the undeniable life of the party. With a magnetic personality and a heart big enough for everyone, Jean could light up a room—and often did with her quick humor and her famous cackle. Her home was filled with laughter, hugs, and her signature neck kisses—especially for her treasured grandchildren, who adored her. She gave selflessly, never hesitating to give even if it meant she would go without.

Family was everything to Jean. Her joy was found in traditions-gathering with family on Christmas Eve, rolling Easter eggs down Old Main hill, and especially summers at Bear Lake or “Pig” Lake as she liked to call it, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and her eternal companion. One of her favorite simple joys was taking her grandkids for ice cream at Bear Lake—a memory treasured by each of them.

Jean had a deep and enduring testimony of Jesus Christ. Her faith was not just something she professed but something she lived every day. She loved the scriptures, taught her children to serve, and endured years of health challenges with grace, strength, and quiet dignity. She showed her testimony in action—through selfless service, unwavering faith, and relentless love.

She was beautiful inside and out—a beautiful dancer, a fierce protector of those she loved, and the kind of woman who made you feel better just by being near her.

Jean Zollinger Hibbard is survived by her loving husband Paul, her five daughters, Elisa (Nathan) Banner, Rachelle (Ryan) Hansen, Heather (Justin) Tippetts, Emily (Chris) Hansen, Melanie (Scott) Hoth, twenty-one grandchildren, siblings, Joy-twin (Matt) Larsen, Paula (Kim) Pitcher, Kathy (Bill) Fletcher, Sid (Jill) Zollinger, Con Zollinger and countless others whose lives she touched with kindness, laughter, and love. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and fierce devotion. Her example will continue to guide and inspire all who were blessed to know her well.

Preceded in death by her parents Melvin and Elaine Zollinger, her sister Jolynn Zollinger and brothers-in-law Kim Pitcher and Bill Fletcher.

Though she will be deeply missed, we find comfort in knowing that she is dancing once again—free from pain, reunited with loved ones, and wrapped in the arms of her Savior.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” – Matthew 25:21

A viewing will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Russon Mortuary, 295 N. Main Street, Bountiful, Utah. Funeral services will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday June 27, 2025, at the Canyon View Stake Center, 2110 N. Main Street, Centerville, Utah, with a viewing from 9:45-10:45 a.m. prior to the services.

Services will be broadcast by the ward at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7nUE7eCj1E

Interment will follow at the Centerville City Cemetery.