Barbara Faye Peterson

CARBONDALE - Barbara Faye Peterson, 88, of Carbondale passed away Sept. 24, 2025, in SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Barbara was born Aug. 4, 1937, in Jefferson County to Marion Wesley and Fern Loretta (Breeze) Carroll.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Marjorie Rueter and Imogene "Imie" Streeter, her brothers, Lavern and Kenneth Carroll, her first husband, Robert Eugene "Gene" Birkhimer, whom she married on Sept. 2, 1956, in Irvington, and her second husband, John Landers Peterson, whom she married on Feb. 9, 1973, at the First Presbyterian Church in Carbondale. She and John enjoyed over 52 years together.

Barbara is survived by sister-in-law, Eunice Carroll of Irvington; stepson, Jason R. (Maria Aguirre) Peterson from Winnetka, California; and Jason's daughter, Caitlynn Castil of Naperville; stepdaughter, Jenni D. (Ronald) Ross and their children, Kaitlyn and Samuel, of Fenton, Missouri; nieces and nephews, Kirk (Karla) Rueter, Brent (Celeste) Rueter, Denise Carroll, Lori (Russell) Taylor, Kevin (Anastasia) Carroll, and Cathy (Johnny) Warren; plus 10 great- and six great-great-nieces and nephews.

She graduated with the Class of 1955 from Centralia High School in Illinois and attended Kaskaskia College in Centralia. Barbara always looked forward to her high school class reunions.

Barbara started working at Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1957 as a clerk-stenographer II in the Office of vice president for Business Affairs. Other SIU offices where she worked included Rehabilitation Institute (clerk stenographer III), College of Education (administrative secretary), Office of the President (administrative secretary), College of Technical Careers, and vice president for Academic Affairs. On August 31, 1992, as an administrative aide at the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research and Provost, Barbara retired after 31 years on campus. From 1965 to 1966, she left SIU to serve as supervisor of the stenographer pool at the Breckenridge, Kentucky, Job Corp and then returned to campus.

Barbara greatly enjoyed attending SIU Carbondale sporting events and following her nephew Kirk Reuter's career in pitching baseball. Kirk's adventure included Murray State University, parts of four seasons with the Montreal Expos and 10 years with the San Francisco Giants.

She was an auxiliary member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and a member of the Elks Lodge in Carbondale. For several years, Barbara and John Peterson helped coordinate the Carbondale Elks Hoop Shoot Contest which led to them being named Carbondale Elk Family of the Year in 2013-14. Lunch Bunch on SIUC campus was started in 1967 by 12 Civil Service employees, and Barbara was asked to join the year after. She thoroughly enjoyed being with the group and being a hostess once every two years.

Barbara was a beautiful classy lady whose smile could light up a room. Her kind and loving nature brought happiness to everyone fortunate enough to know her. Elvis Presley was a favorite of hers, and she kept a book of his songs ready to play on her piano.

A gathering to celebrate Barbara's life will be from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Eagles Club, 1206 W. Linden St., Carbondale. Come and enjoy food, drinks, stories and memories with Barbara's family and friends.

Because of Barbara's love for animals (especially Beau and Kati J), memorial gifts are suggested for St. Francis Community Animal Rescue and Education Inc., 6228 Country Club Road, Murphysboro, IL 62966; or give to the charity of your choosing. Envelopes will be available at the gathering.

Meredith Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. To view the obituary or leave a condolence or memory of Barbara, visit www.meredithfh.com.