Barbara A. Byers, 68 of Roseville, IL passed away Monday December 20, 2021, at 1:45 a.m. in her home surrounded by her husband Ron and three children. She was born March 14, 1953, in Streator, IL the daughter of Earl and Margaret Ray.
She is survived by her husband Ron of Roseville, IL; three children Dan (Melissa) Byers of Roseville, IL, Jennifer (Jeff) Podhajsky of Princeville, IL, and Amanda (Joel) Newman of Monmouth, IL; grandchildren Aidan Podhajsky, James Podhajsky, Thomas Podhajsky, Sam Podhajsky, Lydia Podhajsky, John Podhajsky, Ariana Byers, and Hayven Byers; two sisters Sharon (John) Wax of Newman, IL, and Carol (Corky) Shaw of Roseville, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents, one infant sister, and her brother George Ray.
Barbara was the founder and CEO of Western Illinois Home Health Care. She was a pioneer and revolutionary in bringing the home healthcare concept to western Illinois. Her vision and compassion allowed thousands of individuals and families to be cared for at home with the empathy and dignity they so richly deserved over the last 40 years. In addition to her own business Barbara also served in the leadership of the Illinois Home Care and Hospice Council and helped shape the industry statewide. Caring and providing for others was Barbara’s life’s work and will be her legacy.
She was deeply entrenched in her faith. Barbara was an active parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church and volunteered for various committees and activities within the church. Her family, friends, and staff could always depend on Barbara to pray for them with her daily Rosary and will continue to count on her prayers. Her Catholic faith was the driving force that guided her in the care and compassion she afforded to others.
Barbara deeply loved her family and was the favorite part of her life. She always had time for her children routinely attending their events, and she loved nothing more than spending as much time as possible with her grandchildren. Barbara routinely organized sleep overs for her grandchildren and enjoyed the controlled chaos that ensued. Barbara spent a lot of time caring for her brother George prior to his passing and she thoroughly loved their time together.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday December 27, 2021, 10:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Church, Monmouth, IL. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery Monmouth, IL. There will be a visitation on Sunday December 26, 2021, from 4:00 – 7:00 pm with a Rosary at 3:30 pm at the Wise Family Funeral Home in Roseville, IL. Memorials in her honor can be made to Immaculate Conception Church. Please sign the online guestbook at www.wisefamilyfuneralhome.com. Wise Family Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
