MARY KAY BIBB March 4, 1943 – Aug. 17, 2024
Mary Kay Bibb loved Jesus, and took every opportunity to tell others that she and Jesus both loved them. Born and raised in Kansas, she filled her home with sunflowers as a connection to that state.
Early in college she took summer classes at New Mexico Highlands University, where the PE coach’s assistant got the courage to introduce himself during swim class. (His telling of that mentions that her swimsuit was red.) One year later they married and were partners through thick and thin for 61 years. She married him as a small town music teacher, then happily accompanied him when the music teacher became an FBI agent. She took their frequent moves and his unpredictable schedule in stride. Twice she gave birth less than two weeks after a move.
She enjoyed singing, especially lullabies to her kids. All of them inherited her habit of singing out loud, no matter the setting, whatever song someone else’s comment made her think of. She was a prolific seamstress and knitter and enjoyed making things for loved ones. A memorable project was the six matching sweaters that made an appearance in one family portrait and a hilarious game of Charades.
Her degree was in education, and she taught for several years. Mary Kay’s main occupations, though, were nurturing her husband and children, and repurposing items other people would have thrown away. She could see utility in anything. Maybe this relates to the fact that she looked for beauty in all the people she encountered. She was sure it must be in there somewhere, because she knew that Jesus loved them.
Mary Kay was preceded in death by her infant daughter Melodee Kay Bibb, her parents Bill & Eva Bird, and siblings Carol Hillers, Allen Bird and Merle Bird.
She is survived by her husband, Dave Bibb, her children Mary Beth & Bob Stevens, David T. Bibb III, Jim & Kristina Bibb, Melanie & BJ Brooks, her sister and brother-in-law Jeanie and Larry Wade, 15 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren (with a few more on the way), many nieces & nephews, and countless chosen family privileged to be her friends.
An open-casket visitation will be held at Gonzales Funeral Home, 2315 Hot Springs Blvd., Las Vegas, NM, on Friday, August 23, 2024, 1:00 – 4:00 PM. Funeral service is scheduled for 10:00 AM, Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Victory Life Church, 258 Frontage Road 2137, Las Vegas, NM. Attendees are encouraged to wear colorful, comfortable clothing, as that’s how Mary Kay thought everyone should dress.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Victory Life Church or the nonprofit organization of your choice.