Published on June 6, 2025 8:08 am
Last Updated on June 6, 2025 8:08 am
Barbara Jean Weeden, 82, of Shelbyville, IL, passed away peacefully at 11:35 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Willow Breeze Hospice House, Mattoon, IL, surrounded by her loving family.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, June 9, 2025, in Grace Lutheran Church, Strasburg, IL with Rev. Kene Whybrew officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday in the church. Burial will be in Grace Cemetery, Strasburg, IL. Memorials may be given to Willow Breeze Hospice House, Mattoon, IL. Arrangements are by Howe & Yockey Funeral Home, Strasburg, IL. Send condolences at www.howeandyockey.com
Barbara was born on March 30, 1943, at the Strasburg Hospital in Strasburg, IL, the daughter of Linel Dee and Ruth Evelyn (Reel) Thomas. She graduated from Stewardson-Strasburg High School in the Class of 1961. On April 17, 1965, she married the love of her life, Jackie Ronald Weeden, and together they built a beautiful family grounded in love, laughter, and unwavering support. Barbara retired from International Paper in 2005, after 22 years of dedicated service. She cherished the simple joys in life- especially playing cards with her dear friends and spending time on her front porch swing, where she enjoyed watching birds and listening to her wind chimes. Barbara was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Strasburg and a 46-year member of Strasburg American Legion Auxiliary-Liberty Post 289. Her warm heart, easy laugh, and quiet strength were the glue that held her family together. Barbara’s life was centered around her family, and she took immense pride in each generation she helped raise.
She is survived by her six children, Todd Weeden of Shelbyville, IL and grandchildren: Jennifer (great grandsons, Brylyn Hague and Grayson Dale); Heather; Ariel (great granddaughter, Jacqueline); Stacey (great granddaughter, Monroe); and Noah Weeden. Fawn Thomas (Ron) of Strasburg, IL and grandchildren: Crystal Rich (Wes) (great grandchildren, Jozlyn (great great grandson, Atticus), Gabrielle, and Keigen); Skyla Richardson (Dar) (great grandchildren, Tesa, Sapata, Russell, and Darla); Robert Thomas (Ashleigh) (great grandchildren, Evee and Arwin); and Angela Thomas. Ruth Froman (Jeff) of Cherokee, AR and grandchildren: Natasha Crandall (great grandson, AJ); Thomas Froman (Tatiana) (great grandchildren, Jackson, Dean, and Isaac); and Lance Froman (great granddaughter, Emery). Sharon Bulla (Jerry) of McMinnville, TN and grandchildren: Ashley Finney (Josh) (great grandchildren, Jeremiah and Anora Finney); Shawna Redmon (Elizabeth) (great grandson, Octavian); and Michael Urban. Troy Weeden (Yong) of Strasburg, IL and grandchildren: Charlie Eaves; Michelle Hanley (Trevon) (great grandchildren, Chloe, Claire and Connor); Kristina Moore (Thomas) (great grandchildren, Grace and Gabe Moore); and Austin Weeden. Timothy Weeden (Terri) of Strasburg, IL and grandchildren: Deidra Bergmann (Johnnie) (great grandchildren, Addison, Ryleigh, and Harper); Cassandra Weeden (great granddaughter, Amelia); Joshua Weeden; Tyler Weeden; and Serenity Weeden. She is also survived by her beloved siblings, Russell Thomas (Jo) of Shumway, IL, Eric Thomas (Jane) of Mattoon, IL, Bradley Thomas (Debbie) of Neoga, IL, and Marsha Harrington (John) of Shorewood, IL.
She was preceded in death by parents; and husband, Jackie Ronald Weeden on July 1, 2014.
Barbara’s legacy is one of love, strength, and devotion to her family. Her swing may now sit still, but the memories she leaves behind will forever move in the hearts of those who knew her.