Donna Jean Lybarger

Donna Jean Lybarger, 66, of New London, MO, passed away at 9:03 AM, Friday, August 8, 2025, at her home. Funeral Services will be at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at James O'Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, MO. Rev. Mark Drazba will officiate. Friends and Family are invited to Donna's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at the funeral home. Arrangements for cremation will follow the service. Donna was born September 15, 1958, in Hannibal, MO to Donald Franklin Elder and Thelma Virginia Armour Elder. She was married to John Lybarger on September 2, 1995, in New London, MO. He survives. Other survivors include her three children, Justin "Bud" Swank (Micaela) of New London, MO, Megan Hendrix (Andy) of Hannibal, MO, and Latoya "Todo" Fletcher (Josh) of New London, MO; two sisters, Belinda Otten (Bob) of Hannibal, MO and Rhonda Fiesler (Bill) of Hannibal, MO; eight grandchildren, Alivia Breuer, Madison Swank, Natalie Fletcher, Royce Seymour, Nora Jane Fletcher, Maggie Jo Hendrix, Lauren "Lolo" Hendrix, and Ava Swank; one great granddaughter, Brooklyn; and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her lifelong best friend for over 60 years, Patty Hudson and many other friends that she loved dearly. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Phillip D. Elder. Professionally, Donna was a CNA and Dietary Manager at Westview Nursing Home in Center, MO. She was also a seamstress at White Star Laundry. In her younger years, Donna owned and operated her own car upholstery business. Donna loved thrifting, her Mondays were regularly spent going up and down the aisles of Goodwill, where she sought out her next bargain. Donna took pride in her collection of black and white cows that decorated their home. Donna found fascination in unraveling mysteries, she loved watching true crime tv. Her love for the genre was matched by her love for exploring historic haunted prisons. Donna enjoyed being outdoors where she took care of her yard and flowers, even taking the time to trim with scissors. In the kitchen, Donna was an exceptional cook, tomato dumplings and pumpkin rolls were among family favorites. Jigsaw puzzles were another of Donna's pastimes. But above all, Donna's love for her family was the cornerstone of her existence. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, each memory with them a cherished jewel in the treasure chest of her heart. Her best friend, Patty, was a companion through life's highs and lows, she always stood beside her as a testament to the power of enduring friendship. Donna will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Honorary pallbearers will be Kenny Swank, Justin Swank, Andy Hendrix, Dusty Swank, Josh Fletcher, Nathan Sealock, Nathan Ham, and Steve Graves. Memorial contributions may be made to the VFW in Bowling Green, MO or the Ronald McDonald House in St. Louis, MO.