Barbara Jean (Kirby) Nelson passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2023, with her daughter by her side. She was born on April 30, 1930, to the late Edgar and Eunice Kirby.
One of the happiest days of her life was when she married George Nelson on November 25, 2001.
She enjoyed spending time with her daughter, walking on Marion’s Mississinewa Riverwalk, watching old western movies, reading her Chronicle-Tribune, and doing word search puzzles. Her unconditional love for her family was immeasurable, and she will be greatly missed.
Barbara was a member of Grace Community Church, where she and her granddaughter, Micha, were baptized in 2014. She was also an active member of YMCA and Senior Center in Marion.
She was employed at the Chronicle-Tribune and later worked and retired from JC Penney.
Barbara is survived by her daughter, Claudia (Bud) Reynolds-Duncan; son, Michael (Mary Kay) Reynolds; grandchildren, Kristi (Tyler) Moore, Micha (Hubert) Pryor, Corey (Kristie) Cahue, Michael (Micki) Reynolds, Angella (Matthew) O’Reilly, Rebecca (Lawrence) McNabb, Scott (Jacque) Fernandes, Aimee (Roy) Pena, Kelly Hannis, and Gabriel Reynolds; 26 great-grandchildren; and 18 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George Nelson; granddaughter, Kimberlee Reynolds; great-granddaughter, Elainey Reynolds; great-great-grandchildren, Emerson Etheridge, Sebastian and Naomi Reynolds; parents, Edgar (Eunice) Kirby; brothers, Claude “Shine” and Wilkes; and sisters, Martel and Marsline.
She will be laid to rest with her husband, SSGT George E. Nelson, U.S. Air Force, at Marion National Cemetery, VAMC, 1700 E. 38th St., Marion, IN 46952. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Pastor Tom Mansbarger will be officiating.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN 46952.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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