Barbara J. Marshall

1935 - 2024

Barbara J. Marshall

September 22, 1935 - September 22, 2024

DANVERS - Barbara J. Marshall of Danvers, passed away peacefully on her 89th birthday, on September 22, 2024, at Carle BroMenn in Normal surrounded by her family.

Barbara was born on September 22, 1935, in Sibley, IL, the third of four daughters of George and Ida (Brethorst) Pretzlaff.

She is survived by her husband, John Marshall of Danvers. They married on October 12, 1957, and cherished every moment of their life together.

She is survived by her daughters: Kristin Marshall of Danvers and Karla (William) Rodgers of Edmond, OK; and by her beloved grandchildren: Cynthia Lee Rodgers and Tyler Tae Rodgers, of Edmond, OK. She is also survived by a sister, Noreen Kirkpatrick, of LeRoy.

Barbara loved her life. She graduated the top female student in 1954 from Gibson City High School. She earned her teaching degree in 1972 from Illinois State University and taught at Danvers Elementary School in the Olympia School District from third through eighth grade for 28 years, with a focus on sixth grade English and Social Studies. She earned a Master's Degree in Children's Literature from Illinois State University in 1982.

She found her joy in teaching her students how to write. Her favorite units included introducing students to the history of the Oregon Trail, as well as inviting them to her farm every spring, where she loved sharing her timber trails and teaching them about the beauty of wildflowers and nature. Barbara believed in the importance of reading, and served on the Danvers Township Library Board, and was an active member of the Illinois Reading Council. In addition, the library at the Danvers Grade School was dedicated as the "Barbara Marshall Young Authors' Library."

She was an avid horse rider and enjoyed camping with her family. She especially treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren.

She loved decorating and baking for the holidays and looked forward to having her family all together under her roof.

Barbara had a wonderful life. She lived every minute to the fullest, and was-with every breath-a teacher who recognized the best in everyone.

She never knew a stranger. Human connections were important to her. Everyone mattered to her.

She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Bloomington, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Phyllis Leonard, of Gibson City, and Judy Marshall, of Champaign, as well as several beloved nieces and nephews.

There will be a funeral service for Barbara at 6:00 PM Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at Otto Argo Calvert Funeral Home in Danvers. Reverend Lyn Ahearn will officiate. There will be a visitation from 4:00-6:00 PM at the Funeral Home. A private burial will be held at Stouts Grove Cemetery in Danvers.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the American Diabetes Association.