LaRelda Birky

MORTON - LaRelda Mae Nafziger Birky, 95, of Morton, passed away Friday, August 8, 2025 at Apostolic Christian Restmor. LaRelda was born January 29th, 1930 in Hopedale Illinois to Silas and Laura Springer Nafziger. She graduated from Hopedale High School and continued her education at Goshen College with secretarial and business courses. She worked in the Morton office of Interlocking & Meyer for about 8 years. While in college, she took private piano lessons under Dr. Noble Keider which created her passion for teaching music. She pursued more applied piano and theory courses later at IL Central College. She loved teaching piano to young people and taught in her home for over 30 years. LaRelda was a faithful member of Morton Methodist Church and took part in many ministries. She enjoyed playing the handbells and was in Ruth Circle. She also played the piano and helped with outreach at the Restmor Nursing Home Methodist Church services. She enjoyed sewing and working with flowers and was an avid Pinocle player. A special day for her was golfing and lunch with her only grandson Justin.
Surviving are her children; Marla (Nick) Graff of Morton, Dana (Stephanie) Arnett of Chicago; beloved grandchildren, Justin Grimm, Keri (Aaron) Eberle, Alma Arnett; and her dear great grandsons; Rhys and Eli Eberle. She is also survived by Sister- In-Law Delores Nafziger and many nieces and nephews from her family and her blended family.
LaRelda was preceded in death by her husband Merlin Birky (Sept. 2021). They had 21 years of marriage and enjoyed their winters in Florida and travels overseas and throughout the US. Her second husband, Donald Fry, passed in 1997 after only one year of marriage. Her first husband, Chalmer E. Arnett, passed in 1994. Together they had 2 children and 40 memorable years. Also deceased are her parents and one sister; Verda (Melvin) Schertz, two brothers; Maurice (Eileen) Nafziger, Lyle Nafziger, sister-in-law Margi (John) Weygand. In the Birky family, Brother and Sisters-in-law Margaret and C.B.Cade, Robert and Maxine Birky, Ken and Florence Gerig.
LaRelda's funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at Morton Methodist Church with Pastor Bill Novak and Pastor Adam Penn officiating. Visitation will take place for 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at Knapp – Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton. Additional visitation will be held from 9-9:45 a.m. at the Church on Thursday morning, prior to the service.
The family would like to thank the Morton Villas of Hollybrook and the Apostolic Christian Restmor for the care and compassion given to LaRelda during her stay.
Memorials may be made to Morton Methodist Church Building Fund or Morton Community Foundation. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of LaRelda Birky, please visit our Tree Store.