Krystine M Hiebert

Krystine “Krys” Hiebert, 76, of Newton, Kansas, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025. She was born on October 17, 1949, in Newton, Kansas, to D. Monroe Hiebert and Evangeline Frey Hiebert.

Krys was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Russell Hiebert.

Krys is survived by her sister-in-law, Marcia Hiebert of Moundridge, Kansas; nieces, Lesli (Anthony) Earlston of Lewisville, Texas, Lori (Brian) Doherty of Moundridge, Kansas, and Angela (Paul) Armenta of Overland Park, Kansas; and many great nieces and nephews.

Krys graduated from Bethel College in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She later earned a Master of Education from Kansas State University in 1981.

Krys was a patient person, with a passion for children and advocacy. This was reflected by her 24-year teaching career in Topeka and Derby, Kansas, including fourteen years devoted to Special Education. Krys also worked at Prairie View, in the Governor’s ward at Topeka State Hospital, and at the Menninger Foundation in Topeka, Kansas. She approached every role with dedication and a concern for the well-being of others.

Her faith community benefited from Krys’ leadership and protective spirit. At First Mennonite Church, Krys initiated the Safe Sanctuaries policy, requiring background checks for all adults working with children, an effort that strengthened safety and accountability within the congregation. Krys also dedicated countless hours as a volunteer with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), embodying her lifelong commitment to service.

Krys also had a significant impact on her community. She partnered with the Chief of the Newton Police Department to raise funds for a Belgian Malinois police dog, secure the area’s first digital child fingerprinting system, and support the creation of the Heart 2 Heart Child Advocacy Center.

Krys will be remembered for her compassion, and unwavering commitment to protecting and uplifting children. Her legacy of service lives on in the lives she touched, the policies she shaped, and the communities she strengthened.

She will be missed by her family, friends and all who were blessed to know her.

A funeral service for Krys will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton, Kansas. Burial will follow at Tabor Mennonite Church Cemetery in Goessel. Friends are invited to gather for a visitation in the Petersen Funeral Home chapel on Sunday, December 14, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) and may be left in the care of the funeral home.