Barbara Ellen (Chanley) Byrd, 78, was called to Heaven on February 3, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones at her home in Wheatland, IN. In 2025, Barb battled several medical issues including having her kidney removed due to cancer, fracturing her femur from a fall, diagnosed with an infection in her spine and then in November metastatic cancer of her spine. Her family has always described her as a strong and faithful woman to which she demonstrated until the end.
Barb was born in Vincennes, IN to James Melvin and Ruberteen (Adams) Chanley on June 9th, 1947. She married Stephen Lee Byrd on June 20th, 1965, and they celebrated 60 years of marriage. They created a home where loved ones gathered frequently and celebrated occasions throughout the years. They had 2 sons, Sean and Scott then after 12 years restarted with 2 daughters, Stephanie and Stacey. She always bragged about having two families due to their age differences.
Barb was a devoted member of One Foundation Church, formerly Wheatland United Methodist Church since 1983. She faithfully served God through the church. She enjoyed being outside taking care of her flowers and garden, mowing, or reading a book.
She is survived by her husband, Stephen, children, Sean (Minyu) Byrd, Scott Byrd, Stephanie (Brandon) Beard, and Stacey (Reagan) Vaughn. Grandchildren, Fangyang Byrd, Stephen & Korbin Byrd, Ford Bowling, Maddalyn, Nathaniel, & Brooklyn Beard, and Ashton, AJ, & Archer Vaughn. Siblings, Joe Chanley and Judith Weitkamp. Family Shirley Byrd, Richard Byrd, Jack & Shirley Byrd, Rex & Ann Harrison along with several nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her parents, siblings Louis (Shirley) Chanley, Loretta Chanley, Phillip Weitkamp, Janet (Ed) Rogers, Joe Byrd, Jerry Byrd, and Tom Byrd.
Family will hold a celebration of life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family through Ed Lee Mortuary, 620 Viola Avenue, Washington, Indiana 47501.
