Barbara Ann Van Cleave

Barbara Ann (Kappler) Van Cleave, 84, of Metamora, IL, formerly of Peoria, IL, passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Snyder Village Skilled Nursing Health Center.
She was born on October 22, 1940, in Peoria, IL, to William and Margaret (Imthurn) Kappler. She married Gary U. Van Cleave on June 13, 1964, in Peoria. He preceded her in death in 2023.
Surviving are two children, Dawn (Joe) Peters of Oneida, IL, and Brian Van Cleave of Peoria, IL; four grandchildren, Jenni (Andrew) Erickson of Altona, IL, Morgan (Michael) Harrison of Normal, IL, Nate Peters (Bryce Selman) of Erie, PA, and Jacob Van Cleave of Peoria, IL; one great-grandchild, Silas Erickson; one sister and brother-in-law, Carol (John) Wallace of Centreville, VA; and one sister-in-law, Carol Van Cleave of St. Petersburg, FL. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Barb completed her elementary school years at Glen Oak Grade School and graduated from Woodruff High School in Peoria, IL, in 1958. In high school, she was active in Future Teachers of America, French Club, and Latin Club. Barb was elected to the National Honor Society her senior year.
She graduated from Illinois State Normal University with a degree in elementary education in 1962. Her extracurricular activities included: Elementary Education Club, Student Education Association, and Alpha Beta Alpha (Library Science Fraternity). She received her 50-year legacy pin from ISU in 2012.
Barb was employed as a playground leader for the Peoria Playground Recreation Department from 1958-1965. She served on summer playground in the roles of craft director, as well as being an after-school recreation leader during her senior year of high school.
After graduating from Illinois State, Barb taught third grade at Irving School from 1962-1966. After staying home several years to raise her children, she was a substitute teacher for Peoria Public School District 150 from 1973-1979. She was also a substitute teacher for Peoria Heights Community Unit School District 325 from 1977-1979.
Barb worked as a proofreader and a typesetter for the Peoria Observer newspaper from 1979-1982. She later worked as a typesetter and a composer at Tazewell Publishing Company from 1982-1984.
In March of 1985, Barb began a career as a Library Technical Assistant I for the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria. She served in this role until 1994 before becoming a Library Technical Assistant II. She was recognized for superior performance and received other commendations in these roles. Barb retired from the U of I in 2004.
Barb had been a previous member of Prospect United Methodist Church in Dunlap, IL. She and Gary were active in the congregation and enjoyed their time in Bible studies. She later became a member of Willow Hill United Methodist Church in Germantown Hills, IL, appreciating the services provided by the church to the residents of Snyder Village held at the SV Center.
Barb was very fondly known for her sweet and ever-present smile. She had the biggest heart and actively showed kindness towards others each day. She loved her family deeply and thoroughly enjoyed being with them, whether it be playing games with them, watching her grandchildren participate in school and summer activities, or just being a loving presence in their lives. She also had many friends and often accompanied them to luncheons and other gatherings.
For the past two years, the Snyder Village staff have been a blessing to Barb and her family. They treated Barb with the utmost respect, loving care, and kindness.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life Service will be held from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at the Snyder Village SV Center in Metamora, IL, with a visitation beginning at 1:00 pm. Pastor Nicole Cox from Willow Hill United Methodist Church will officiate the service. Burial of Ashes will be in Springdale Cemetery and Mausoleum at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Snyder Village Residents in Need Fund, 1200 East Partridge Street, Metamora, IL 61548. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.
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