Joan (Killey) Gabbard

Joan Gabbard, 86, of North Vernon passed away at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at her residence.

Born December 1, 1939, in Austin, she was the daughter of the late Ernest Levi and Imogene (Collins) Killey. She married Earl Gabbard; he preceded her in death on January 11, 1988.

Joan worked as a cashier for Mac’s; 24 years for Cosco in Columbus in the sewing department until she retired in 2000, and several years at Muscatatuck State Developmental Center. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Austin and attended the First Christian Church in North Vernon. She was a member of the North Vernon Lodge and Cornerstone Baptist Church in San Antonio, Texas. Joan enjoyed sewing, dancing and listening to Blue Grass music.

Survivors include her sons, Bobby (Brenda) Hobson and Donald Hobson, both of North Vernon and William (Cathy) Hobson of Columbus, Ohio; daughter, Edith Hobson of Harrison, Ohio; stepchildren, Kevin Gabbard of Seymour, Delbert Gabbard of North Vernon, and Terri Gabbard of Seymour; brother, Steve (Phyllis) Killey of Austin; adopted children, Trinity, Tristian and Trina McDonald; ten grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband, Bobby James Hobson; second husband Earl Gabbard; daughters, Nora and Teresa Hobson; brothers, Ernest Gerald “Jerry” and Johnny Ray Killey; sisters, Dorothy Huff and Martha Nease; grandchildren, T.J. Graham, Heather Hobson, Jason Hobson, Dustin Robbins and Misty Graham.

A funeral service for Joan will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North Vernon with Billy Jo Deaton officiating. The visitation for family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2026, and one hour prior to the service on Friday. Burial will follow in the Vernon Cemetery in Vernon.

Memorials may be made in honor of Joan through the funeral home to the North Vernon Moose Lodge.

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