Barbara E. Durham's Obituary
Barbara E. Durham (Brault), age 78, of Springfield, Illinois passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025, to be with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Barbara was born on September 1, 1947, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert Wilbur Brault and Mildred Ethel Brault.
Barbara was married to Burton L. Yates for 22 years (who preceded her in death) which resulted in four children, Kelley (husband Bob) Cole of Decatur, Illinois; Franklin Yates of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Burton J (wife Debbie) Yates of Caldwell, Texas, and Jason (wife Catherine) Yates of LaPlace, Illinois.
She is also survived by a sister, Debra L. Hunter of Stewartville, Minnesota. Her second husband also preceded her in death.
Barbara worked for West Publishing in Eagan, Minnesota. She loved her job and never knew a stranger. She had a deep love for elephants with a collection to match. Barbara also adored her animals, especially her faithful companion Mercedes. She also loved wrestling and watched it every time it came on T.V.
Barbara was also a grandmother and a great grandmother to Ella Cole of Decatur, Illinois; Haydn, Piper and Chris Otten of Mason City, Illinois; Jude D Yates of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Tabitha Smith and her daughters Hannah, Bailee, Maci and Harper of Atlanta, Illinois; Mary Coffey and her daughter Thea of Texas; Michael and Michaela Cole of Decatur, Illinois; Leia Reynolds of Decatur, Illinois; Tiffany Yates and her daughter Bella of Bastrop, Texas; AJ (wife Jill) Yates of Beaverton, Oregon and their daughter Junie, Zachary Yates of Caldwell, Texas; Barrett Yates of Houston, Texas; Belinda Johnson, Andrea Boggs, Jenna Willis, and Taylor Yates. As well as several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday (08-29-2025) at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home, Decatur, IL.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family in care of Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Homes https://www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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