Nina Barnhart

PEORIA - Nina Jean (Speirs) Barnhart of Peoria passed away Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, at age 83.

She was born June 5, 1929, at home in Danville, Ill., to Ruth Eleanor (Davis) and Walter Mark Speirs.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Earl Barnhart; one son, Bruce Allen Barnhart; and one sibling, Walter Allen (Joan) Speirs.

Nina is survived by two daughters, Joy Ellen (Ed) Nelson and Gay Eileen Trent; and one son, Byron Owen (Kristine) Barnhart. Nina is also survived by seven grandchildren, Douglas Nelson, Jennifer Andrews, Curtis Nelson, Kyle Barnhart, Kelsie Barnhart, Mitchell Trent and Marshall Trent; and three great-grandchildren.

Nina lived in Peoria and graduated from Peoria High School. During high school, she was employed by the Peoria Service Company, where she met Bob. After raising their family, Nina returned to the work force and was the bookkeeper for the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Council, which together with other community organizations later became the Heartland Partnership. She enjoyed the work environment and the many friends and acquaintances she made during her career. After several attempts at retirement, she successfully retired in 2004 at the age of 75.

She married Robert Earl Barnhart at First Methodist Church of Peoria on Oct. 18, 1947. They enjoyed raising their family, building their home on the golf course, supporting their children in their schooling and activities, and attending Bradley basketball games.

In her retirement years, Nina participated in several groups or "clubs" enjoying cards, conversation and meals. She looked forward to dance recital season and would attend as many as she could. She continued to support and attend Bradley basketball, Corn Stock Theatre and other local community activities. One of her favorite annual events was the Golden Lion (Peoria High School) Alumni Luncheon. She loved Peoria.

Following her marriage, she was a member of First United Methodist Church and in later years attended Northwoods Community Church with family and friends.

We, her children, want to acknowledge her wonderful friend Bill Curry who, over the last few years, provided such a bright spot in our mother's life. We also want to thank her lifelong best friend, Phyllis Petrini, who made a lifetime of memories with Nina.

In her life, Nina demonstrated devotion and love to her family, private and quiet attention to her faith, honesty and integrity in the workplace and enthusiasm and joy in the way she lived her life. She will be deeply missed.

Services will be held on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel, 2021 N. University St., Peoria, with visitation at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. Pastor Craig Hislope will officiate. Interment will be immediately following the memorial service in Parkview Cemetery.

We want to also express our appreciation for the superb care she received during the last several weeks from Methodist Hospice and A C Skylines Nursing Home.

Therefore, memorials can be directed to either of those two organizations, as well as First United Methodist Church of Peoria or Northwoods Community Church.

Online tributes and condolences may be left at www.Davison-Fulton.com.