Barbara Ann (Hostettler) Beyer, 83, of Decatur, Illinois passed away on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at Decatur Memorial Hospital. A Memorial Service held at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home in Decatur, Illinois. A private family interment held before the Memorial Service.

Mrs. Beyer was born to Earl and Nettie Hostettler in Olney, Illinois on June 21, 1935. Barbara met fellow educator and the love of her life, Dallas Beyer, while teaching together at Pugh School in Decatur, Illinois. They were married on August 23rd, 1958. 

Mrs. Beyer is survived by her three children, Thomas Beyer of Rosemount, MN, Ann Graven of Moweaqua, IL, and Robert Beyer and his wife Julie of Springfield, IL. Other survivors include her 5 grandchildren Alyssa Black, Lesley Graven, Madison Beyer, Katie Beyer and Grace Beyer, and her great grandchild Colton Black.

Mrs. Beyer’s husband, Dallas Beyer, preceded her into the next life as well as her sisters, Aleen Hostettler, Georgia Bishop, Marge West and brothers, Roy Hostettler, Gene Hostettler and Bob Hostettler. Mrs. Beyer’s son in law, Randal Graven also preceded her in death. 

After graduating from Illinois State University in 1957 with a degree in speech and language therapy, Mrs. Beyer moved to Decatur, Illinois and began her teaching career in the Decatur Public School system. Two years later, Mrs. Beyer obtained her Master’s Degree from the University of Illinois. As an educator, she took great joy and pride in her ability to connect with children and develop self-confidence in improving their ability to communicate and overcome speech and language deficits. Mrs. Beyer retired from the Decatur Public Schools in 1991. In the early 1970’s she worked with Vietnamese refugees assisting them with their development of the English language. 

Barbara enjoyed family, reading books, listening to classical music, thrift store shopping, refinishing furniture, working in her yard and garden on beautiful Central Illinois summer days, and Sunday afternoon lunches with her daughter Ann Graven. 

Barbara was a member of Central Christian Church and particularly loved the church musical performances. Barbara valued the continuation and process of learning and bettering herself. She loved expanding her mind and sharing her love of education with everyone that she touched. She laughed often and never took herself too seriously.

Lastly Barbara and Dallas were the definition of life partners. Barbara exemplified love, caring, moral character, organization and a wonderful sense of humor that forever influenced her children and the well being of the family unit. We were blessed to have grown up in a household that valued such partnership and love. 

Herald & Review (Decatur, IL) – Friday, February 22, 2019