Grace Barron, age 92, a beloved longtime resident of Wheaton, IL, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Born on June 1, 1932, in Batavia, New York, she was the cherished daughter of Rev. Shukri J. and Bertha Haik.  Grace's early years were spent in Altoona, Pennsylvania, where she completed her high school education.   She then attended Wheaton College and West Suburban School of Nursing, graduating in 1955 before becoming a registered nurse. During her time at Wheaton, her roommate introduced her to Robert Barron who was living in his hometown of Chicago after serving in the Korean War.  Bob and Grace enjoyed dating while part of the young adult group at the Northside Gospel Center and taking in hamburgers at local haunts, including a new restaurant called McDonalds.  They were married on August 4, 1957 at the Garfield Avenue Baptist Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where Grace's parents lived.  Following their marriage, they settled in the Chicago suburbs, where Grace worked as a nurse and Bob pursued a career in youth ministry.

In 1964, the family moved to the Milwaukee area, where Bob became the youth and family pastor at Garfield Baptist, and Grace continued her nursing career while raising their three children and helping Bob with the high school group and Awana club youth ministry. In 1976 they moved again, this time to the Minneapolis area where Bob, with Grace at his side, served as the Christian Education Pastor at the Colony Park Baptist church. In 1980 they relocated to Wheaton and Bob accepted a position as a professor at Moody Bible Institute.  Grace and Bob became active members of the Wheaton Evangelical Free Church, now Compass Church, where Grace served as a deaconess and was actively involved in the Awana youth ministry. She also worked as a nurse at Wynscape Nursing Home in Wheaton and was a key member of the West Suburban nurse's alumnae club, helping to establish a scholarship for aspiring nurses.

Grace's unwavering faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was known as a prayer warrior, a godly influencer, and a constant encourager.  Even later in life she regularly sent cards to members of the church on their birthdays or in times of need. Her joyful spirit and love for hospitality touched the lives of many in her Sunday school class, students and professors at Moody and friends of the family.  She cherished her role as a wife, mother and grandmother, regularly sending some "spending money" to all her grandchildren until they became adults.  She will be remembered fondly by all who knew her for her kindness, generosity and hospitality.

Grace is survived by her children, Jeff (Carolyn) Barron of Wheaton, Brenda (Thomas) MacDonald of Wheaton, and Todd (Allyson) Barron of Wheaton; her nine grandchildren, Ethan (Susanna) MacDonald, Brady (Hailey) Barron, Alisha (fiancé Dalton Bright) MacDonald, Brant (Meg) Barron, Isaiah (Abigail) MacDonald, Elsa (James Luk) Barron, Bryce Barron, Annika Barron, and Linnea Barron; and one great-grandchild on the way. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Mary Haik, her brother-in-law Richard Barron, and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 48 years, Rev. Robert A. Barron, her parents, and her brother, Dr. Paul Haik.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the Robert A. & Grace E. Barron Fund at Awana Clubs International, 15877 Collection Center Dr., Chicago, IL 60693-0158. awana.org/donate .

A visitation will take place Sunday, June 9th, at the Compass Church, 520 E. Roosevelt Rd, Wheaton, from 3:00pm until the time of funeral service at 4:00pm. A livestream of the service will be available here: Funeral Service for Grace Barron

Family and friends are invited to sign the guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.