Barbara J. Byrd, 87, of Rochelle died February 5, 2024 at the Rochelle Community Hospital.

She was born on May 6, 1936 in Sycamore to Maurice and Violet (Welch) Kempton.  She married Hershel D. "Jack" Byrd on December 24, 1953.

Barbara worked at Turner Brass and AO Smith for several years.  She and her husband moved to Steward, IL in 1979 where the owned and operated the Steward Inn, until retiring in 1992.

Barbara is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews; two god sons, Elisha (Anita) Byrd and William Byrd; two sisters-in-law, Marsha and Dean; one brother-in-law, Ernie (Stacy) and several siblings.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 2005; and two infant children.

Her visitation will be on Friday, February 9th from 11:00 AM - 12:45 PM at the Butala Funeral Home, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL.  A graveside service will be at 1:00 PM on Friday at the Elmwood Cemetery in Sycamore.

To sign the online guest book, go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com