About This Memory Space
This page was created for Barbara Sue Hale's family and friends as a place to remember them, to share stories, and to keep their memory close in everyday life.
It is cared for and added to over time by the people who knew them, and everyone is invited to contribute, whether that is a story, a photo, a few words, or a simple note.
Many families visit places like this not just once, but again and again, especially on quiet days or meaningful anniversaries. This page is here for those moments, wherever you are.
A place to return to when you want to feel close again, to remember a moment, or to leave a few words for others to read. Over time, it grows through the voices of everyone who knew and loved them.
Light a Candle Growing
Light a candle to honor Barbara Sue Hale's memory. Each lighting keeps their memory burning bright for 23 hours.
Candle lit burns 23 hours. Come back and light it again after 23 hours to keep the memory burning.
Limited to 5 lightings per hour to prevent abuse.
Memory Wall Growing
Stories, photos, and memories shared by people who knew Barbara Sue Hale. This is the heart of this space—a collection that grows as more people contribute.
No memories posted yet. Be the first to share a story or memory.
Life & Legacy
Barbara Sue Hale crafted a life rich in faith, creativity, and unwavering care for others, leaving behind a tapestry of handmade gifts and heartfelt service that warmed countless hearts.
Born in Shelbyville, Illinois, to Daniel and Helen Davis, Barbara grew into a woman whose deep love for the Lord guided her every step. She poured her energy into her church community at East 91st Street, teaching Sunday School, leading Bible studies, and taking on endless roles of service. Her hands were never idle, as she stitched quilts, baby blankets, and festive Christmas tree skirts to spread joy. With a spirit attuned to celebration, she twirled through country dances alongside her husband Willard, savored reunions with longtime nursing friends, and hosted cherished Tuesday dinners for her family, earning the endearing title of 'Mimi.'
As a registered nurse, Barbara brought tender compassion to family practice settings and later to Methodist Hospital, where her special affinity for infants shone through in every interaction she had with young lives.
Family & Loved Ones
Central to Barbara's joys were the rhythms of home and hearth, where Tuesday evenings transformed into feasts of laughter and stories at her table. She and Willard E. Hale shared nearly six decades of partnership after their 1966 wedding in Casey, Illinois, nurturing sons Nelson (Traci) and Evan (Kathy), along with grandchildren Josh (Karly) Hale, Lucy (Kamden) Fearing, Dominic Hale, and Molly Hale. Her connection to sister Shirley Spade added another layer of enduring familial warmth.
Remembered by Friends & Family
Tributes from across Barbara's circle weave a vivid portrait of her gentle influence, with many recalling her quilts as symbols of boundless generosity and her nurturing spirit as a beacon in church and beyond.
For those looking for service information