Rebecca Kendrick Lybarger, 78, of New Bremen, Ohio, passed away on March 31, at Miami Valley Hospital, surrounded by family and friends. Born on June 4, 1946, in Philadelphia, PA, Rebecca was the daughter of the late Reverend James B. and Ida Mary Kendrick.

She is survived by her husband, Wayne Lybarger; daughter, Andrea Lybarger Wilmer; son, David Lybarger; brother, James B. Kendrick, Jr. (Connie), of Mt. Juliet, TN; and several cousins, nieces, nephews,and dear friends.

Rebecca was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Patricia Judd.

During her childhood, she lived in various places as her family moved to accommodate her father's U.S. Navy assignments and ministry in the United Methodist Church. She graduated from Greenview High School in Jamestown, Ohio, in 1964 and earned a Bachelor of Arts from Berry College in Rome, Georgia, in 1970, and a Master of Science in Education from the University of Dayton in 1981. Rebecca dedicated more than 25 years to teaching at Bradford Elementary in Bradford, Ohio, where she was named Teacher of the Year for inspiring countless students with her passion for life and learning.

Rebecca married Wayne Lybarger in 1974, celebrating 50 years together last December. She was a member of Grace Church of St. Marys, the Red Hats Society, and Delta Kappa Gamma.

She was a gifted cross-stitcher and an avid reader. She was funny and an amazing storyteller. She loved to travel, loved people, and lived every moment to the fullest. She was fierce and faced her health challenges with steadfast faith. She will be missed by those who loved and knew her.

Funeral rites will be held on Saturday, April 5, at 10 a.m., at Miller Funeral Home, 1605 Celina Road in St. Marys, Ohio. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery. The services will be officiated by dear friend, Reverend Barbara Dafler from Franklin, North Carolina. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, April 4, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., and on Saturday, April 5, from 9 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial donations may be given to Grace Church of St. Marys, Ohio. Memories and condolences may be sent to Rebecca's family via Millerfuneralhomes.net