Jan. 19, 1933 - April 4, 2024
VENICE, Florida — Barbara Redford, 91, of Venice, FL, formerly of Forsyth, IL, died peacefully in her sleep the morning of April 4, 2024.
Barbara was born in Columbus, OH, on January 19, 1933, to Frank and Flora (Gilsdorf) Jettinghoff. Barbara and her two sisters were raised in several states, with most of their time spent in Columbus, OH. Barbara followed many family members in attending The Ohio State University and it was there that she met Gerald (Jerry) Redford. They were married June 19, 1954.
Barbara and Jerry's family quickly grew with the addition of five children over a seven year period while living in Delphos, OH, Ripon, WI, and Decatur, IL. They would make Decatur/Forsyth their home for the next 56 years.
Outside of raising five children, Barbara's career included serving as the Director of Community Relations for the Decatur Area Arts Council, writing a consumer affairs column (The Redford Files) for the Decatur Herald & Review, and twelve years in the University Relations office at Millikin University. Barbara was actively involved in the community as an Elder at First Presbyterian Church, on the Friends of the Decatur Public Library committee, P.E.O. Chapter IF, and with MCCOCP, an advocacy group opposed to the death penalty in Illinois.
In their retirement, beginning in 1994, Barbara and Jerry completed their travels to all 50 states. They also toured many European countries, often accompanied by (son) Doug and Elizabeth Redford. They celebrated the births of each and every grandchild, and remained faithfully involved in all of their lives. They continued their support of Millikin University, loyally attending numerous events of any type. They spent several years writing "Millikin University: The First 100 Years." For their dedication, Barbara and Jerry were inducted into the Millikin Medallion Society and recently received the James Millikin Award.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Jerry, of Venice, FL; her children: Doug Redford (Elizabeth), of Raleigh, NC, David Redford (Colleen), of Sacramento, CA, Chris Pope (Kent), of Venice, FL, Carol Basso (David), of Dallas, TX, and Sarah Krull (Mark), of DePere, WI. She is also survived by ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and sisters; her granddaughter, Anna Basso; daughter-in-law, Heather Redford; and great-granddaughter, Emelia Pope.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider making a donation in memory of Barbara to the Redford Family Scholarship or to your favorite charity. Donations for the scholarship can be made online at www.millikin.edu/give or sent to the following: Millikin University Alumni and Development Office, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, IL, 62522. Please note that the donation is made in memory of Barbara Redford.
A memorial service was held June 1, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church in Decatur.
To view the complete obituary, visit
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/herald-review/name/barbara-redford-obituary?id=54906919
