Barbara Jeanne Gilbert

Barbara Gilbert, 90, of Marion, Illinois, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025. Born December 17, 1934, in Streator, Illinois, she was the daughter of the late Carl Hoban and Evelyn Law.

Barbara married Orville Lee, with whom she raised six beloved children. After his passing, she later found companionship with her second husband, Garry Gilbert, who also preceded her in death. Together, Barbara and Garry earned their CDL licenses—symbolic of their shared journey both on the road and in life.

Faith was central to Barbara’s life. She served as Bishop Warden at St. James Episcopal Church for many years, demonstrating deep devotion and quiet leadership. Her professional life began as a CNA at Marion Memorial Hospital before transitioning to the VA, which supported her through nursing school at John A. Logan College. She proudly served as an LPN at the VA until her retirement.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Orville and Garry; her brother Ronald Hoban; her nephews Dennis Hoban and Tim Morris; and brothers-in-law Randy Cox, and Jack Morris.

Barbara is lovingly remembered by her six children: Kristine (Terry Wardup) Marler, Howard Lee, Sharon (Larry) Sherertz, Vicki (Tom) Anderson, Ronald (Charlietta) Lee, and Paula (William) Holder. She is also survived by her brother, James (Renza) Hoban; sisters, Kay Morris, Carol (Lee) Smith, and Eleise Cox; and a large extended family of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Services have been entrusted to Blue Funeral Home under the direction of Binkley-Ross. Visitation will be held Friday, June 27, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Blue Funeral Home, 1704 North Court Street, Marion. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Richard Swan officiating. Inurnment will follow at Egyptian Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully asks that memorial contributions be made to the Marion VFW, the American Cancer Society, or the Alzheimer’s Association and mailed to Binkley-Ross Funeral Home, P.O. Box 39, Marion, IL 62959.

To share memories or offer condolences, please visit www.binkleyross.com.