Barbara Jean Swinford

Barbara Jean Swinford, beloved mother of three, passed away peacefully on

June 15, 2025, at the age of 82. Born in Kankakee, IL on April 1, 1943,

Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She was known for her quiet demeanor of love and support for others and

will be deeply missed by those who knew her.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years Paul Swinford; her brother Larry

Yarno and his wife Pat; her brother-in-law Danny Carter; her children Becky

Smith and Becky’s husband Jim, David and his husband Gary Davis, and

Scott Swinford and Scott’s wife Robin; her grandchildren Kyle and Ryley

Smith and Ryley’s finance Oscar Miranda, Zachary Swinford, Danielle Scott

and Danielle’s husband Michael; and her great-granddaughter Hallie Scott.

She is preceded in death by her mother Lorraine Loughry and Lorraine’s

husband Leslie Loughry; her brother Ronald Yarno; and her sister Nancy

Carter.

Barbara, Paul and their family have been members of the St. Joseph, IL

community for more than 50 years, where she was a devout and nearly

plank member of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and an avid Illini fan.

She was an operating room nurse at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL

for thirty four years; and a strong supporter of causes designed to help

others. But her greatest joy always came from the togetherness she always

felt around her family and friends. Her memory will always be cherished by

those who she benefited most with her unwavering love and support.

The funeral service will be held at Thursday June 19 at 12:00 P.M. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 802 E. Douglas St. St. Joseph.  Pastor Andrew Jones will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at the church.

 Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph is in charge of arrangements.

 Memorials may be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church or Malawi Orphan Care Project.

Freese FH 6/16/2025 https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/Barbara-Swinford