Barbara J. Whisler, 83, a resident of Rock Island Nursing and Rehab Center, died Saturday, May 17, 2014 at the center.Memorial services are 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, Rock Island. Burial is at the National Cemetery, Arsenal Island. Visitation is 4 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Honor Flight of the Quad Cities or to the Humane Society of Scott County.

Barbara Spencer was born June 14, 1930 in Galesburg, Ill., a daughter of Thomas and Velma Beeson Spenser. She married Richard J. Whisler on Sept. 24, 1949 in Rock Island.

Barbara was an avid gardener, quilter and homemaker. She loved to travel the country camping with her family. Barbara and Richard began traveling with the Holiday Ramblers and she was a volunteer organizing and maintaining their traveling library.

Upon Richard's retirement, they moved to Fairfield Bay, Ark., where she continued her volunteer library work and was an active member of the Kirk of the Woods Presbyterian Church. In 2008, they returned to the Quad Cities to be closer to family. She was currently a member of First Presbyterian Church, Davenport and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Survivors include her husband, Richard Whisler, Bettendorf; daughter and son-in-law, Jane and Ron Tiedge, Moline; grandchildren, Kathleen (Jody) Hahn, Moline, Emily (Phil) Stephenson, Rock Island, and Robert Maxey, Rock Island; great-grandchildren, Alexandria Tiedge, Dylan Stephenson and Sydney Grace Stephenson; brothers, Jim (Wanda) Spencer and Don (Philean) Spencer, both of Davenport, and Wesley Spencer; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Pauline Wilson.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the entire staff of Rock Island Nursing and Rehab, especially to Naomi and Michael. Heartfelt appreciation is also extended to Genesis Hospice, especially to Kate and Chaplain Todd.

Online condolence may be left at wheelanpressly.com