Barbara Ghent

Barbara Ghent, age 73, formerly of Marion, IL, passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2025 in CoxHealth Medical Center South in Springfield, MO.
She was born on August 6, 1952 in Carbondale, IL to Leo and Juanita (King) Hendrickson.
Barbara graduated from Marion High School in the Class of 1970. She continued her education and received her Bachelor's Degree from SIU-Carbondale.
On July 2, 1972, she married Jim Ghent at Third Baptist Church in Marion and together they have shared 53 years of marriage.
Barbara worked in education as a teacher for many years. As her husband, Jim's career took them to living in many cities around the country, Barbara's years of teaching were spent over a few cities including Marion, IL, Newburgh, IN, Park City, UT, and in Hawaii. After she began her teaching career she furthered her own education once again, by earning her Master's degree from Indiana University.
She loved reading, cross stitching, and a good cup of tea. She was a former a member of the Delta Theta Tay Sorority. But above all, Barbara loved her family, and especially spending time with her husband. They enjoyed simple pleasures in life. Most recently, one of her favorite past times was to sit with Jim feeding the deer at their mountain home.
She is survived by her loving husband, Jim Ghent; her sons, Jason Ghent, and Jeremy Ghent; sister, Carol (Ted) Jeter; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, other extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, and a brother, Gary Hendrickson.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL.
The visitation will be at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home on Friday, October 10, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
The funeral service will be on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at the funeral home at 2:00 p.m.
Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion.
For additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara, please visit our floral store.