Barbara Karen (Stringfield) Link passed away this past Thursday night at home surrounded by her family. Born March 10, 1944, Barb was the daughter of Kenneth Charles and Pauline (Lynch) Stringfield of Pleasant Plains, Illinois. She married the love of her life Michael Charles Link on June 14th, 1981, at the Abingdon United Methodist Church. She is survived by her husband; daughter Jennifer (Christopher) Ramirez and son Jason (Erin Tolle) Link. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Lucie Gray Ramirez, Matteo Charles Ramirez, Elliotte June Link, Nicolas Ramon Ramirez, and Michael Duncan Link. Also surviving is her sister Carolyn (Stringfield) Lee of Gilbert, Arizona, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Barbara was an accomplished musician and graduate of Pleasant Plains High School, where she started playing the organ in the Peter Cartwright United Methodist Church at the age of 17. As a member of the Abingdon United Methodist Church, she played the organ and piano for over 50 years and she held many roles including Sunday School teacher, member of the choir, choir director, and church council. In addition to serving her own church, she was an active part of the ecumenical ministry for Feed My Lambs.
She graduated from Western Illinois University with a BS in Music Education in 1967. She taught both music and language arts in the former Abingdon School District for 27 years and then transitioned to the middle school office as well as assisting in the Board of Education office.
Barb was also a member of Chapter BB, P.E.O., Knox County Retired Teachers Association, and along with her husband was a member of the Galesburg Glass Favorites Corvette Club, Knox County Farm Bureau Prime Timers, and Choral Dynamics of Galesburg where she filled in as director when needed and accompanied the group for many shows. As an ardent St. Louis Cardinals fan, she attended games in all three stadiums.
Visitation and services will be held at the Abingdon United Methodist Church. Visitation will be Monday, July 31st from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and funeral service will be Tuesday, August 1st at 10 a.m. Pastor Connor Morrison will officiate. Burial will be in the Abingdon Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to the Abingdon United Methodist Church, Feed My Lambs, Galesburg Choral Dynamics, or Hospice Compassus.
