Barbara L. Kirby

Barbara Louise Kirby, 95, of Urbana, Illinois, passed peacefully on May 24, 2026. Born on August 25, 1930 to Lula and Arthur Phillips, the youngest of ten siblings, she lived a long and vibrant life, independent in her beloved home until the end. She loved flowers and good food, was a skilled homemaker and former beautician, and was known for her determination balanced with kindness.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arden, her sons Joel (Susan) and Brian, and all nine of her siblings, with whom she remained close until their passing.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and generosity and will be missed by her daughters, April (Scott) and Patience (Phil), her grandchildren Chris, Dan, Claire, Bethany, Ava, Hans, Mason and Autumn, and her great-grandchildren, Arden, Allison, Marie, Amara, Corbin, Gabriel, Annie, Ruth, and Ada.

Your love made the world a brighter place. Heaven is so lucky to have you.

A Celebration of Barbara's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center's Champaign Chapel, 710 N. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Following the service, Barbara will be laid to rest at Mt. Olive Cemetery.

Please join Barbara's family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.