Barbara A. Boston

Barbara was born in St. Louis, MO on September 5, 1939, the daughter of John and Thelma (Hallows) Borders. She was the eldest daughter of four children, and grew up in Cahokia and Belleville, IL as a farm girl.

Barbara graduated from Belleville Township High School in 1957 and earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Millikin University. At Millikin she was an active member of the Tri Delta Sorority. While attending school she met Bryce, whom she married on August 6, 1961. She attended Western Illinois University for her master’s degree. She was a fourth-grade schoolteacher for gifted children and worked for Girard Grade School and was with the Ball-Chatham school district for 33 years.

In 1963, Bryce and Barb’s first son, Brad was born followed by two daughters, Brenee in 1965, and Beth in 1969. In the early years of their marriage Bryce and Barb lived in many communities in Illinois such as Girard, Edwardsville, Geneva and Decatur. The Boston’s settled in Chatham, IL on Mulberry Street (the prior home to Bryce’s uncle Herb Cary) in 1971. Bryce and Barb’s marriage was a lasting love story that gave them both great joy through the years. Barbara died one week after the couple’s 59th wedding anniversary.

Barbara was very active, enjoying tennis, walking and riding her bike. She was an avid reader, enjoyed playing cards and was a member of different bridge groups. She spent time nurturing her flower garden and cooking for and with her family. She was also quite adventurous and traveled abroad to many European and Asian countries. Most importantly, she was a supportive, easy-going and nurturing mom, and she was a devoted friend to many.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Barbara is survived by her husband; son, Brad C. Boston of Portland, OR; daughters, Brenee (Dan) Paxson of Lombard, IL and Beth (Alice) Boston of Portland, OR; grandchildren, Kenna (Austin) Van Vuren and Bryce Paxon all of Grand Rapids, MI, Lucy Boston of Ellensburg, WA and Everett Boston of Portland, OR; siblings, Lee (Mike) Hall of Tahoe, NV, Janeen (Charles) Ehrhart of Napa, CA, and J.C. (Kathy) Borders of Moab, UT; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 2020, at Veteran's Memorial Park on Route 4, Chatham, IL 62629. The family asks that attendees please wear face coverings and to bring a lawn chair. Casual attire is encouraged for this outdoor event. The family welcomes all who attend to stand and share their story(s) about their experiences with Barbie at this event.

Memorial contributions may be made to Chatham United Methodist Church, 104 W. Chestnut St., Chatham, IL 62629; Millikin University, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, IL 62522 or Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – Chatham, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham, IL 62629.