Barbara HARDWICK

1928 - 2014

Barbara Hardwick

VIRGINIA, IL - Barbara Hardwick, 86, died Sunday, Aug. 3, 2014, at her home in Virginia.

She was born March, 16, 1928, in Beardstown, the daughter of Melvin "Dolly" and Rebecca McNamara Gray. She married Walter Sam Hardwick on Nov. 11, 1947, in Beardstown and he preceded her in death on Oct. 30, 2009.

Surviving are her children: Sally (husband Steve) Aggertt and Sam (wife, Jan) Hardwick, both of Ashland, Amy Hardwick of Palm Springs, Calif., and Molly Hardwick of Virginia; six grandchildren: Elizabeth Epping of Portland, Ore., Valerie Hardwick of Virginia, Rachel Rossi (husband, Josh) Doerfler of Riverton, Morgan Hardwick of Springfield, and Alexandra and Olivia Rossi, both of Springfield; and one great-granddaughter, Ryleigh Elizabeth Doerfler of Riverton.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one brother, Tom Gray; and a granddaughter, Rebecca Hardwick.

Barbara graduated from high school in Los Angeles, Calif. She then moved back to Beardstown and married Walter Sam Hardwick. She was a homemaker and later owned and operated Treasure's and Trinkets, an antique business, in Virginia for many years and was a local reporter for the Jacksonville Journal Courier for a short time. She was a member of Virginia United Methodist Church.

Barbara was president of the Virginia Women's Club, served on the Virginia Barbeque Committee, was a Republican Precinct Committee Woman, and enjoyed being Mrs. Claus for the Virginia Parks District for many years. Barbara and her husband traveled the world together. She loved to entertain her family and friends, and was known to be quite the hostess. Barbara was a gourmet cook and was known for her sense of style. She enjoyed playing bridge and she did for over sixty years. Barbara greatest joy was being with her family and she was always the life of the party.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Aug. 8, 2014, at Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown. Burial will be at the Beardstown City Cemetery. The family will meet friends from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to: Alzheimer's Association.

Condolences may be left online at airsman-hires.com.