Carlene N. Barstow, 92, of Galesburg, Illinois died at 10:19 a.m. Saturday, March 28, 2020, in Heritage Manor in Normal, Illinois.
Born Marjorie Carlene Nichols on January 30, 1928, in Quincy, Illinois, she spent her early years in Abingdon, Illinois. Her parents were Harold F. Nichols and Amy C. Frazier Nichols. She had two younger sisters, Eleanor Nichols Gengler and Suzanne Nichols Legner, who have all preceded her in death. She married Russell G. Barstow on April 22, 1951, in Galesburg. He preceded her in death March 2, 2017 after nearly 66 years of marriage.
She is survived by three sons, Charles R. (Marianne J.) Barstow of Algonquin, Illinois, William N. (Julie Ann) Barstow of Irving, Texas, and Randall G. (the late, Deborah) Barstow of Geneva, Illinois; and a daughter, Martha B. (Jack R.) Ross of Normal, Illinois. She enjoyed the company of seven grandchildren, Allison Crutcher, Pamela Ringenberg, Crystal Kempf, Diana Barrett, Jonathan Barstow, Jessica Barstow, and Daniel Barstow. She also enjoyed her great grandchildren, Colin and Russell Ringenberg (both deceased), Makenzi and Thomas J. Kempf, Harley and Bradley Barrett, William Parker, and Dakotah Crutcher
Carlene graduated from Galesburg High School in 1946 and went on to Knox College, graduating in 1950 as a foreign language major. She later returned to Knox, earning a teaching certificate. She taught in Galesburg elementary schools for the next several decades, helping many young students grow and learn. In her leisure time, she enjoyed playing golf at Soangetaha Country Club, playing bridge, and shopping for antiques.
Carlene was a long-time member of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity and alumnae club, PEO Chapter W, and Mosaic Club. She was also a member of the Knox College 50-Year Club, First Christian Church, and Galesburg Community Chorus.
Carlene was surrounded by the love of her children and grandchildren in January to celebrate her 92nd birthday.
The family would like to thank the staff at Heritage Health-Normal for their exceptional care of Carlene.
Due to social distancing limitations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be a private family graveside service on Thursday, April 2, 2020 in Memorial Park Cemetery. Rev. Martha-Jean Fitch will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church or a charity of the donor’s choice. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is handling arrangements for the family. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
