Barbara J. Harshbarger's Obituary
Decatur- Barbara Jean Harshbarger, 89, passed away Wednesday, December 14, 2011.
She was born April 6, 1922 in Decatur, Illinois, the daughter of Harold and Wilma Turner. Barbara lived her life in Decatur and was a 1939 graduate of Decatur High. She married Elmer Harshbarger on April 6, 1947 and is survived by their five children, David Harshbarger, Rebecca McNutt (Bob), Deborah Kirkland, Bruce Harshbarger and Dennis Harshbarger (Linda); grandchildren, Laura McCormick (Hoadley), Shain Harshbarger, Blayne Harshbarger, Dana Carter, Christopher Kirkland and Timothy Kirkland, and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Bill and grandchild Gary Smith.
A memorial service will be held for Barbara's personal friends and family at First Christian Church, Decatur, Illinois on Monday December 19th at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to First Christian Church or the Decatur Homeward Bound Pet Shelter.
Barbara was a devout Christian and a loving person to her family and friends. She volunteered many hours of her time at First Christian Church, helping with office administration and, most recently, arranged bereavement dinners for the families of church members. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and watching television programs with her son, Bruce. Barbara loved a good joke and enjoyed telling jokes to her family, friends, her pastor Wayne Kent, and her doctor Richard Fritz. The family sincerely thanks the DMH Hospice nurses and staff, as well as the nurses, CNA's and staff at Lincoln Rehabilitation Center for the care Barbara received. She will be remembered in the hearts of many and deeply missed until we meet again.
The family is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur. View the online obituary and send condolences to the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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