Barbara Ellen Bird

Barbara E. Bird, 80 of Aledo, died Thursday, February 24, 2022 at Aledo Rehab and Healthcare Center. Funeral services will be on Monday, February 28^th at 11:00 AM at Speer Funeral Home, Aledo, with visitation prior to services, beginning at 10:00 AM. Burial will be in Candor Cemetery, rural Aledo. Memorials may be made to the Center Presbyterian Church or Pope Creek Church. Condolences may be left at speerfuneralhome.com.

Barbara Ellen was born on December 13, 1941, in Aledo, Illinois to Edward & Evelyn (Barnes) Hays. She married Robert E. Bird on April 10, 1960, at the Center Presbyterian Church, Seaton, Illinois.

Barbara was with the Mercer County Nursing Home for over 20 years as a nurse’s aide. She was a lifelong member of the Center Presbyterian Church where she was an Elder, taught Sunday School and helped with Youth Groups. Barbara also enjoyed being a 4-H leader and was with Homemakers Extension. She was an active member of the Seaton Community and helped organize SPARKS, the Seaton Parks and Recreation group. In her spare time, Barbara enjoyed reading romances, collecting dolls and blue kobalt dishes.

Barbara’s memory will be cherished by her husband, Robert E. Bird, Sr; 3 children and spouses: Vicki & Clifford Darwin of New Windsor; Connie Jensen of Aledo; Robert & Rita Bird, Jr. of Seaton; 3 grandchildren and spouses: Katy & Joe Winner, Michael & Chelsea Darwin, James & Mae Darwin; Great-Granddaughter: Isabel “Izzy” Darwin and one lovingly expected; brother and sisters-in-law: Melvin & Bip Hays of Oklahoma, Ann Hays of Viola and Connie Hays of Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Donald and James Hays and 2 great-granddaughters, Grace & Mercy Winner.