Juanita Ann Hobson (Bolivar)'s Obituary
Juanita Ann Hobson, 76, known to many as GiGi, passed away unexpectedly on April 5th, 2023, at Cox Hospital. She leaves behind her husband of 60 years, Larry Hobson.
Juanita was born on August 6th, 1946, in Polk County Missouri to Dale and Louise Gile. She worked for several years at Dr. Crippin’s Chiropractic clinic in Bolivar, MO. Prior to that she managed at P.N. Hirsch (later becoming Dollar General) for 20+ years. She loved baseball, the Kansas City Chiefs, quilting, bowling, genealogy, her life on the farm, and spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Juanita grew up working from a young age, which included helping raise her brothers, Bill, Roger, and Richard. She met Larry in her late teens while she was working at The Penguin in Bolivar, MO. They were married in July of 1962, which was the start of a 60+ year marriage.
That life started quickly with two strong-willed and vivacious daughters, Brenda and Pamela. The four of them enjoyed countless hours at the Hobson farm, lake days at Pomme de Terre, trail rides at Chadwick Motorcycle and ATV Use Area, and cross country trips to California for family visits and off-road riding in the Mojave desert. One of Juanita’s favorite pastimes on the lake was watching Larry slalom ski while she drove the boat. She also enjoyed weekends away with Cheech in their highly competitive bowling tournaments across the country.
Juanita started her role as grandparent in 1984 with Anastasia, then soon after had Cheri, Kamron, and Tyler. She didn’t stop there though, she became a grandma to several other children when they needed her, including Emily and Timothy Kirklin. In the second part of grand-parenting life, she also had Ana join the bunch. Her life became ballgames, camping trips, teaching the grandkids to sew, pitch a ball, bowling like a professional, and baking pies. She was a specialist on Grandparents Day at school, stepping in for any student who didn’t have a grandparent to celebrate with. She was always there with open arms to be a grandma to anybody.
After years of practice, she took on the title of great-grandma in 2005. This was also when she was upgraded to be GiGi. She gave even more love to Cash, Jackson, Juan, JB, Joyce, Brock, Teagan, and even more over the last 18 years. Her open arms and doors remained welcoming to many other children who would come see her and their GiGi as well.
The farm and quilting were Juanita’s oasis. Her dogs, her cows, the deer, the hummingbirds, and her flowers were where she wanted to be, unless the Chiefs were on, then you would find her in red watching the game. Her quilting space is full of what ifs, let’s try this, and beautiful accidents. Her creative outlet had no boundaries. Whether she was inside or outside at the farm, she was able to do something she loved. She and Larry built their joy there together.
She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Dale and Louise Gile, brother, Richard Gile, several aunts and uncles, and grand-daughter, Anastasia Brewer.
She leaves her husband, Larry Hobson, her children, Brenda Nunn and Greg Cooper, and Pamela and Mark Hood, her grandchildren, Cheri and Brian Fisher, Kamron Hood and Kasey Bayer, Tyler Scheller, Ana Hood, her great-grandchildren, Cash, Jackson, Juan, JB, Joyce, Brock, Teagan, and many cousins and relatives.
Juanita taught love, strength, and a little sass to all in this family and to any who were a part of her world. She will be greatly missed by all.
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