Barbara Ann (Boyer) Byrkt 

Decatur - IL 

Barbara Ann Boyer Byrkit, 69, passed away at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011, at her home.  Memorial services were Thursday, Sept. 15, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, with visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Cancer Care Specialists of Central Illinois or Westminster Presbyterian Church. 

Barbara was born in Decatur, the daughter of Harrison L. Boyer and Dorothy (Brumfield) Boyer.  She married Robert E. Byrkit on Aug. 17, 1963 in Godfrey. 

Barbara graduated from Alton High School and Millikin University, where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.  She received a masters degree from Illinois State University. 

Barbara was a first grade teacher at Lovington and Brush College Grade Schools and was a reading specialist at Mount Zion Grade School.  She was a member of and elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church, a Patroness of Junior Welfare Association, a past member of the Millikin University Alumni Board, and a member of Prairie Land Dance Club. 

Survivors include her husband, Robert of Forsyth, IL., children, Jeffrey (Gretchen) Byrkit of Decatur and Anne (Scott) Parrish of Sun Prairie, Wis.; grandchildren:  Jacob, Henry, Zoe, Tessa, and Isaac Byrkit and Nathan and Logan Parrish.  She also leaves a brother, Richard (Mary) Boyer of Godfrey; and sister, Nancy (Denis) Wendle of Jerseyville; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents. 

Barbara enjoyed being with family and friends, reading, bridge, country dancing, golf, and spending the winter months with her husband and friends in Harlingen, Texas.     Barbara and her family appreciated the compassionate care from Dr. Maria Perdekamp and all of the staff at the Cancer Care Specialists of Central Illinois.  Condolences may be left to the family at www.brintlingerandearl.com

Published in Decatur Illinois  Herald and Review/

[editor's note - I will add more info when available.]