Barbara Jean (Ames) Heistad

BARBARA JEAN HEISTAD (AMES)

Vernon Hills, Illinois - Barbara Jean Heistad (née Ames) entered the kingdom of God on September 12, 2024, in Libertyville, Illinois.

Born on February 12, 1945, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to Alfred Henry Ames, Sr. and Evelyn Elizabeth (née Gould) Ames, Barbara was the youngest child of a long-established family with roots in Wadsworth, Illinois. Her great-grandfather and three other Ames families settled in Rosecrans, Illinois, in 1842.

Barbara graduated from Northwestern Academy-Evanston with a Bachelor's degree in education. She was a devout Christian and an active member of Moody Church in Chicago, where she sang in the choir and participated in various prayer groups. Her strong faith and extensive knowledge of scripture inspired many.

After marrying late in life to Wallace O. Heistad, a history teacher at Von Steuben High School, Chicago, the couple traveled extensively around the world. Barbara and Wally were active members of Christ Church Lake Forest and Olive Tree Congregation, Prospect Heights.

Barbara is preceded in death by her husband Wallace (2018) and her brother Alfred Henry (late Gwen) Ames, Jr., as well as her sister-in-law Twila Ames.

She is survived by her brother John William Ames; nephew Kevin Edward Ames; great-nieces Ashley and Paisley Ames; and many cousins.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, October 7, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. at Christ Church Lake Forest, 100 North Waukegan Road (Corner of RT 43 and RT 60), Lake Forest, Illinois. Interment will follow at Mount Rest Cemetery, Rosecrans, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Church Lake Forest, St. James Society, 100 North Waukegan Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045, Olive Tree Congregation, 400 North Elmhurst Road, Prospect Heights, IL 60070 or By The Hand Club For Kids, P.O. Box 10043, Chicago, IL 60610 in Barbara's name would be appreciated. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Seguin & Symonds Funeral Home, Highwood, Illinois (847) 432-3878.

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