Barbara Ankney

Barbara Anne Ankney, age 72, passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours of January 1, 2016 at St. Joseph Nursing Home in Lacon, Illinois.

Barbara suffered from early onset Alzheimer's disease for the last 6 years of her life.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Barry, of Washburn, Illinois; her son, Jonathan (Lynn) of Chicago, Illinois; and her grandchildren, Ethan and Elise, of Chicago.

Barbara was born on March 19, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois to parents Stanley and Anne Janettas Polick. She graduated from Illinois State University in 1965 with a degree in Elementary Education, and from Bradley University with a Master's Degree in Educational Administration in 1970. She worked for over 30 years as an educator, teaching grade levels ranging from kindergarten to college.

Barbara's family will fondly remember her as an excellent cook, baker, and canner. She enjoyed many crafts throughout the years, including needlepoint and basket weaving, and she was a passionate reader. She enjoyed travel, especially to Ireland, the Caribbean, and to Manhattan, where she and Barry attended numerous plays and musicals.

Cremation rites have been accorded and there will be private family services at a later date. Donations in Barbara's memory can be sent to the Alzheimer's Association at http://tinyurl.com/pxrgxyx or P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011. Online condolences can be left at lenzmemorialhome.com

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