Barbara J. Phelps

Barbara J. Phelps

(October 28, 1930 – January 24, 2022)

Barbara J. Phelps , 91, of Shelbyville, IL, passed away at 3:46 a.m. Monday, January 24, 2022 in Shelbyville Manor with her family at her side.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 28, 2022 in Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville with Rev. Kevin Ray officiating.  Visitation will be from Noon – 1:00 p.m. Friday in the funeral home.  Burial will be in the Lookout Addition to Glenwood Cemetery, Shelbyville, IL with military rites by the Shelby County Honor Guard.  Memorials may be given to Saving Orphaned Animals and mailed to Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, 415 N. Broadway, Shelbyville, IL 62565.

Barbara was born on October 28, 1930 in Toledo, IL, the daughter of Ralph D. and Beatrice Maude (Williams) Woods.  She graduated from Shelbyville High School in the Class of 1948.  Barbara was a U.S. Air Force veteran, earning the rank of Airman First Class.  When she returned from the service, she married Earl Eugene “Gene” Phelps on April 30, 1955.  She began working for the Oliver Corporation in Shelbyville as a switchboard operator.  She later served as the crossing guard at Main Street School and retired as the store manager for the Plaza Boutique both in Shelbyville.

She is survived by her four daughters, Jeanne Coventry of Pana, IL, Kathy Isley (Dennis) of Shelbyville, IL, Capt.Vicki Phelps (ret AF) of Jacksonville, FL and Terri Phelps of Springfield, IL; son, Russell Phelps of Billings, MT; brothers, Dean Woods and Kenneth Woods (Veda) all of Shelbyville, IL; half-sisters, Dorothy Bly and Margaret Long both of Shelbyville, IL: nine grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents;, husband, Gene Phelps on June 18, 2001; son-in-law, John Coventry; daughter-in-law, Diana Phelps; granddaughter, Kylie Coventry; brothers, Duane Woods and Gene Woods; and half-brother, Dale Woods.