W. Jo Barr (Miller) Hiebert

Hiebert, W. Jo (Miller) Barr, 83, died Thursday, October 8, 2009. Memorial service 1:00 pm, Tuesday, October 13, Downing Lahey Mortuary East. She was born in Oklahoma December 9, 1925, and grew up in Wichita. She attended Wichita Public Schools, and graduated from Wichita University in 1946. She married a high school sweetheart, James E. Barr, in 1947, and they attended Kansas State University. Jo was employed by KSU Student Health Services as a Registered Lab and X-Ray Technician until Jim completed his B.S. in 1950. Jo and Jim traveled to Europe via steamship in 1950. They returned to Wichita where Jim was in the lumber business until he passed away suddenly in 1960. They had an extremely happy and wonderful life together. Jo served as an Executive Staff Member with the Wichita Area Girl Scouts until 1962. She received a grant from the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. to further her studies and while continuing her work with the Girl Scouts of America she earned her Masters Degrees from New York University in 1963 - and from the University of Chicago in 1967. In September of 1968, Jo was recruited by the Research Division of the Wichita Public Schools and served as a Research Specialist in Early Childhood Education: examining the effectiveness of special programs such as Head Start, Follow Through, and special remedial programs. In 1972, Jo married Dr. A.E. Hiebert. They enjoyed entertaining mutual friends, and traveling. Dr. Hiebert passed away in 1984. Jo has been an active volunteer in the Wichita community, serving on numerous Boards of Directors, including as a Director of the Wichita Symphony for 17 years; Wichita Art Museum for three years, and Girl Scouts for three years. She has been active in her church and many service organizations. She is a member of P.E.O. (EW), College Hill United Methodist Church and the Wichita Junior League (1951). Jo enjoyed friends, reading and book clubs, symphony, opera, traveling and bridge. Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Jenny Miller; a younger brother, James. Survivors: sister, Jean Pardee; niece, Susan Pardee; and numerous nephews and two great-nieces. In lieu of flowers memorials to: Planned Parenthood of Kansas, 2226 E. Central, Wichita, Ks 67214; College Hill United Methodist Church, 2930 E. 1st, Wichita, Ks 67214 or Girl Scouts of Kansas-Heartland, 360 Lexington Rd., Wichita, Ks 67218 Downing Lahey Mortuary East.