A wonderful and loving lady left this world Saturday, Jan. 6, after a very sudden decline in her health. Barbara Jean “Bobbie” Nelson was born December 31, 1929, in Evanston. She spent 94 years on this earth, touching many lives.
She attended Evanston High School, graduating in 1948. While attending high school, she met the love of her life, Gene. Barbara and Gene later married on Jan. 2, 1951. They made their home in Evanston and together they had two children. Gene passed away on Oct. 18, 1984.
Early on, Barbara enjoyed going out to dinner with friends and entertaining everyone with her singing. Barbara worked as a telephone operator, back-room bank manager and enjoyed helping her friends out selling shoes and as a travel agent.
Barbara was an elder of the Union Presbyterian Church, served several times on Session, taught Sunday School, and was on the nominating committee for pastors.
She was one of the founders of the women’s group Heavenly Hens and the oldest member of the church. She is known for sending out cards to all her family, friends and church members.
Barbara is survived by her two children, Craig (Janis) Nelson and Jan Russell; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Sharon (Al) Ludwig; and Nancy Ressler; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gene; sister, Shirley Whittier; and her brothers, Dennis Coles and JR Barnes.
A celebration of life will be announced this spring.
