Barbara Ruth Parkinson-Wood, 67, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 4:11 p.m. Monday, June 8, 2026 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.
Barb was born May 31, 1959 in Galesburg, the daughter of Robert Dale and Lois Jeanette (Kemp) Parkinson. After graduation high school, Barb went on to attend Carl Sandburg College where she graduated from the Registered Nurse Program in 1980.
Barb worked as a Registered Nurse for over 40 years, spending most of it working at Galesburg Cottage Hospital until 2011 when she went PRN. Barb also worked for a time at Kindred Hospital in Peoria and as a hospice nurse for Community Hospice, later called Beacon of Hope Hospice. Barb was drawn to nursing because she loved caring for people. Being a nurse was one of her greatest joys. She never stopped being a nurse, always looking out and caring for others. She met many people throughout her career, never forgetting a face or name. She never met a stranger and was a member of the Nazarene Church in Galesburg and enjoyed attending the lady’s prayer group. In her free time, she loved to be at home cooking and baking.
Barb married Patrick Wood on November 19, 2010 in Galesburg. He preceded her in death on October 25, 2014. Barb is survived by her daughter, Alyssa Parkinson of Galesburg; a grandson, Derek Parkinson of Galesburg; and two stepdaughters, Tara and Heather. Barb is also survived by one brother, Mike (Shari) Parkinson of O’Fallon, Missouri; and three sisters, Susan Hills-Kuhen of Quincy, Illinois, Nancy (Layton) Sandall of Galesburg, and Kellie (Woody) McDorman of Galesburg. Along with her parents and husband, Barb was preceded in death by a sister, Rosemary Parkinson; two brothers, Scott and Jeff Roberts; and a nephew, Wes Stewart.
Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 12, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. A short prayer service will follow at 7:00 p.m. Cremation will be accorded following services. Memorial contributions may be made to the family or to the Knox County Humane Society. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
