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Barbara June Phelps
Service Date:October 31st, 2011

Barbara June Phelps Danvers- Barbara June Phelps, 77, of Danvers, Illinois, passed away after a prolonged battle against cancer at 12:44 am on Friday, October 28, 2011 at her home. She was born on December 3, 1933 in Allerton, Illinois a daughter of David and Bessie Burton Sigmon. Barbara graduated from Fairmount High School in 1951 and received a RN degree from Danville’s Lake View Hospital School of Nursing in 1954. While she was an exchange nursing student at Chicago’s Cook County Hospital, she met a student in the nearby dental school. She married James Phelps on December 19, 1954. Barbara worked as a nurse in numerous locations in the United States as a she periodically relocated, with her husband to different military installations. He was a career Air Force Dental Officer. Barbara was a very patriotic lady and an ardent supporter of U.S. military personnel and their families. She loved children of all ages. Barbara enjoyed travelling to many places throughout the world from the Holy Land in the east to Japan in the west. She had several collections including cookbooks, dolls, small animal figurines, stamps, and of course, Hummel and Precious Moments figurines of children. In a former location her doll room with 1000 plus dolls was a legendary “must see attraction” for many local people. Barbara took special interests in her family, cooking, annual dinners with all eight of her high school classmates, and supporting U of I basketball. She is survived by her husband, James; their four children, James, Randall, William (Christine) Phelps, and Suzann (Scott) Colthurst; nine grandchildren, Melissa, Tyler, Kira, Kayla, Krista, Kiana, Carissa, Hannah, and Will; two brothers, Preston (Maria) and Robert (Marge), four sisters, Delores (David) White, Polly (Hank) Ruff, Dotty (Larry-deceased) Smoot, and Linda (Emerson) Byrd. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, David. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, October 31, 2011at Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington. OSF Hospice Chaplain, Stephanie Soon will officiate. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services on Monday. Burial will follow services at Park Lawn Cemetery in Danvers. Memorial contributions may be made to OSF Hospice or Illinois Cancer Care in Bloomington, IL. Online condolences may be sent to the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com. Though she travels to higher places, she will always be with us in our hearts.
  • From:  Louann Pawlak

    Jim & family, Barb was a true friend from the 1st day we met at Elmendorf AFB in July 1969.....that's more than 42 years of enjoying a loyal, thoughtful, loving, sweet friend. My sad, sincere condolences to the entire family as you grieve her leaving....but yes, she is in our hearts forever.

  • From:  Becky Hettinger

    I remember Barbara June fondly. When we had Sunday dinners at our house or Uncle David and Aunt Bessies house, she was always the dark haired beauty. The wedding at Jamaica Methodist Church has always been in my heart as I watched the dark haired beauty marry her dashing Dr. Phelps! My love and sincere sympathy to you all. The family will be in my thoughts on Monday a day to celebrate her life!

  • From:  Linda Hall lements

    Keeping you all in my my thoughts and prayers. Barbara was my 3rd cousin. My momma, Mary Katherine Hall sends her condolences as well.

  • From:  Lisa Williams

    I loved Aunt Barbara very much and will miss her. I remember going to Aunt Barbara and Uncle Jim's playing games and pinball in the basement! The doll room was fabulous! And she was an amazing cook too! I will miss her. Love Lisa

  • From:  Jerry & Ann Smith

    Dear Jim, Barb no longer suffers and now is with our Heavenly Father. Again, our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

  • From:  Bill and Phyllis Brown

    Jim and Family, we will surely miss Barbara and remember her as a happy, thoughtful and loving person. She will be missed by everyone who came into her life. You are all in our prayers!!!

  • From:  Margaret & Wayne Scott

    Jim and family, we are so sorry for your loss, we enjoyed meeting you both so much. She will definitely be missed by all who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • From:  Nancy Ready

    My thoughts and prayers are with your family. This is the time that it helps to have fond memories to relive. I remember little flashes of fun things we (as cousins) did on our summer visits. I loved to "stay" at Aunt Bess and Uncle Dave's because there was always other kids to play with. Even though I didn't get to see her often in the past few years we will all miss her big smile and her love for others.

  • From: Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Muroff
    Location:Port Haywood VA

    We were fortunate to know and enjoy the friendship of Barb for so many years in the FDA. Please accept our sincere condolences. Val and Art