Barbara J. Day, 86, of Robinson, IL, passed away on March 1, 2026, in the comfort of her home. She was born on August 19, 1939, in Indianapolis, IN, and grew up in Mount Carmel, IL, where she graduated from Mount Carmel High School with the Class of 1958. On May 25th of that same year, she married Jerry C. Day in Fairfield, IL, and together, they began building a life centered on hard work and caring for others, especially their family.
Barb worked in a number of capacities over the years, including at L.S. Heath & Sons and Phillippe Grocery. Later, she and Jerry started, owned, and operated Paint and Sawdust, a craft business that took them to shows for years before she retired. She was simple and down-to-earth, the kind of person who worked hard, never gave up, and put others ahead of herself without hesitation. That was especially true at home. Barb wanted to be the best mother and grandmother she could be, and she lived that out in countless practical ways. She was always there for her children and grandchildren, ready to help however she could, with a kindness of heart that always made them feel loved.
Much of that love was shared around the table. Barb was a very good cook and loved baking cookies for the whole family at Christmastime. Her butterhorn rolls and cherry cheesecake were always a favorite part of Thanksgiving, and those simple acts of care became some of the memories her family will hold closest. In fact, that was just the way Barb moved through life: always nurturing, always looking for someone to care for, and always finding quiet ways to make life better for those around her. That same gentle heart extended beyond people, too. Barb had a special place in her heart for animals. She enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels that found their way to her home, and she was especially devoted to her beloved dogs, Bonnie and Clyde.
That was Barb. Simple, caring, and always thinking of others. She showed her love in everyday ways, and those beautiful, modest acts of kindness are what her family will remember most.
She is survived by her children, Debra (Jeff) Hess, Natalie (Mike) Knoblett, and Jerry (Tina) Day; by her grandchildren, Amy (Debbie) Hess, Kerry (Deric) Tittle, Christopher (Amanda) Thurman, Mike (Kristen) Thurman, Justin Thurman, Travis (Fannie) Knoblett, Alexander Day, and Zachary Day; by thirteen great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild; several nieces and nephews; as well as her beloved dogs, Bonnie and Clyde. She was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Jerry C. Day, who passed away on September 26, 1994. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Paul Moyer and Audrey (Middleton) Moyer, and her brothers, Wesley Moyer, Jerry Moyer, and Robert Moyer.
It was Barb's wish to be cremated without public services, and her remains will be laid to rest in Highland Memorial Cemetery in Mount Carmel. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is assisting the family at this time.
