Barbara Ann Ashby, 74, of Galesburg, Illinois, formerly of Girard, Illinois, died peacefully at home Saturday April 1, 2023 at 6:40 a.m.
Barb was born November 24, 1948 in St. Louis, Missouri the daughter of Perry L. and Roberta “Bobbi” Louise (Hartman) Johnson. Barbara married Louis E. Ashby on November 24, 1967. Barb is survived by her husband of 55 years, Lou of Galesburg; one son, Christopher (Brandy) Ashby of Galesburg; one daughter, Sarah (Wade Kruemmelbein) Ashby of Daytona Beach, Florida; nine grandchildren, Zachery, Jordan, Danielle, Cole, Gabi, Louis, Carsen, Carlee, and Caden; six great grandchildren; and one sister, Brenda “B.J.” (Dorothea) Johnson of Ozone, Arkansas. Along with her parents, Barb was preceded in death by one son, Perry on January 30, 2023.
Barb worked as an LPN and office manager for Dr. Paul Smelter in Springfield for 27 years, retiring in 2005. While living in Girard, Illinois Barb and Lou were active in the community bringing youth baseball, soccer, and after prom to the town. She was a member of Jobs Daughters, a member of First Christian Church in Girard where she sang in the choir, and after many years of being an elder earned the title elder emeritus. She was also active in the Cub Scouts, serving as scout leader for many years.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, April 6, 2023 at the funeral home with Pastor Rick Warren officiating. Barb will be laid to rest at a graveside service 11 a.m. Friday, April 7, 2023 at Williams Cemetery, rural Corning, Arkansas. Memorial contributions may be in Barb’s memory to the Lewy Body Dementia Association or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
