Barbara A. VonBehren
Barbara A. VonBehren, 79, of Springfield, died at 2:01 am, Monday, May 9, 2011 at her home. She was born July 27, 1931 in Mt. Vernon, IL to Clifford M. and Eva F. Davis Ames. She married her high school sweetheart Louis V. VonBehren on August 31, 1951, which would have been 60 years this August, and he survives.
Also surviving are two children, Dale (Kathy) VonBehren of Shrewsbury, MA and Beth (Steve) Sturm of Chatham and four grandchildren, Ashley Sturm, Megan VonBehren, Lauren Sturm and Ryan VonBehren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one grandson: Michael Louis VonBehren.
Barbara was a member of First Presbyterian Church. She was a member of the Session, active in Christian Education and Mission Programs, and Presbyterian Women for several years. She received her Bachelor’s from SIU-C and received her Master’s from Illinois State University in 1976. She was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta. She was editor of the SIU-C paper “The Daily Egyptian”.
She was a teacher in New Albany, IN, Murphysboro, IL and District 186. She was a resident of Springfield for 46 years. She enjoyed bridge, scrabble, theater, opera, reading, tutoring and being in the company of family and friends.
Visitation: 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at Staab Funeral Home.
Memorial Service: 11 a.m., Thursday, May 12, 2011 at First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Rev. Howard L. Milkman, Jr. and Rev. Dr. David MacDonna, Jr. officiating.
Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church.
Terry and Caroline Haynor posted on 5/13/11
We have known Barb for a number of years and my daughter, Caroline who is 6 has known her for her entire life; Barb was always the most caring and thoughtful person, always lending an ear when I needed one and always offering prayers and wanting to help when I was going through a difficult time. Caroline saw her often at Wednesday night vespers and always had to give her Grandma Barb hugs! Barb would always tell her, "Caroline, you give the best hugs!!" and they would both smile .....We will both miss her terribly and her time with us was too short. We can take with us forever the memories we have of her and our times together and for these I am grateful - Just before Caroline came home from Russia, there was a shower for me at the church and Grandma Barb gave Caroline some books and a small pink and white bunny - She still has that bunny 5 tears later and he has been well loved... I am sure that she is walking with the angels !! :)