Barbara Deweese Day was born in Omaha to Fred M. and Alice Towne Deweese. She spent her early years on a farm in Richardson County, until the family moved to Lincoln.
Barbara graduated from Lincoln High School in 1936, and attended the University of Nebraska where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. She transferred to Swarthmore College, graduating in 1940 with a degree in English Literature.
During World War II, Barbara worked for the Army Finance Office in Seattle and later for the Red Cross as a social worker in military hospitals. In 1946 she spent six months in a village in Normandy, France helping her older sister Martha Ivaldi with her young family. After returning to Lincoln, she served for two years as the office manager for Ayres Advertising.
In December 1948, Barbara married George R. Day. While leading a busy life as a homemaker and raising their three children, she gave generously of her time and talent to a number of Lincoln organizations: as a member of Junior league of Lincoln, serving 2 terms as treasurer; as Director of the Red Cross program at Lincoln VA Hospital, and as Chair of the original board that established the Home Health Care program at Tabitha, including Meals on Wheels and Visiting Nurses programs. She served as Moderator at First-Plymouth Church, and Treasurer of Lincoln Symphony Orchestra. Barbara maintained a lifelong love of learning and travel, and she enjoyed cooking and entertaining for her large group of family and friends. She was a wonderful storyteller, and her family treasures the family lore that she shared.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband George Day and siblings Wilford Deweese and Martha Ivaldi. She will be remembered with great affection by her children, Kathy Elliott (Robert Greaves), Portland OR; Larry (Terri) Day, Lincoln; Roger (Jenny) Day, Lincoln; her grandchildren Maren Reed, Cameron Elliott, Lindsay Day, Nolan Day, Evan Day, and Abigail Day; her three great grandsons Connor, Thomas, and Henry; and many nieces and nephews.
A service for Barbara is scheduled Friday, October 20, 10:30 a.m. at First-Plymouth Church, 2000 D St.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Lincoln Food Bank and First-Plymouth Church.