Elvira Barrow, 88, of Washington, IL passed away at 1:50 pm on Sunday, May 25, 2025 at Apostolic Christian Restmor in Morton, IL. Elvira was born on September 9, 1936 in Golden Pond, KY, to Floy Dean Hicks and Elvis HIcks.

Elvira grew up on a farm in the Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky. She graduated from Trigg County High School in Cadiz, KY in 1955. She married James Barrow, from Model, TN on April 19, 1958 also in the Land Between the Lakes. He preceded her in death in 2020. She is also preceded in death by her parents; and one older brother, Cleveland Hicks of Dearborn, MI.

She is survived by her two daughters, Rita (Kim) Byard of Morton, IL, and Julie (Stan) Zehr of Eureka, IL; her five grandchildren, Jared (Megan) Byard and Lisa (Cody) Clark of Morton, IL, Bradley (Joylynn) Zehr of Peoria, IL, Laura Zehr of Altamonte Springs, FL, and Matthew Zehr of Davenport, IA; and her 7 great grandchildren, Kaden, Addison, Riley, Avery, Rowan, Everett, and Alaina.

Elvira worked as the head baker/assistant cook at District 50 schools in Washington, IL for 22 years. She enjoyed making cookies from scratch for the kids, and would regularly bake 600 cookies per day, which was enough for both schools in the district. Elvira also enjoyed gardening, and would freeze or can vegetables and fruit from her garden. During earlier years, she enjoyed sewing and making crafts that she would sell at the annual Spoon River Drive Craft Show. She shared a booth with her husband, James at these events.

Elvira was a 60 year member of Dayton Avenue Baptist Church in Peoria, IL, where she enjoyed singing in the choir. She, along with her husband and daughters, was a member of the "God's Little Messengers" puppet team. They, along with other members of the team, took 4 summer trips, traveling across the country, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Elvira and James were also members of the Illinois Campers on Mission. They would go on mission trips to build and remodel church buildings, or participate in yard clean up at summer camp facilities.

Elvira was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs. During baseball season, you would usually find her in front of, or talking back to, the TV whenever a player struck out or when the other team scored. During the last few family gatherings, she would just sit quietly and watch all of the great grandchildren playing together.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Midwest Food Bank or Illinois Campers on Mission.

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025 from 4:00-6:00 pm at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington, IL. A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 9:00 am at Hillcrest Memory Gardens.