Barbara Conley's Obituary
Barbara Conley (85) of Charleston passed away at home on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Barbara was born on August 28, 1940, in Vandalia, Illinois, to Irby and Lucille Lapington, and was the oldest of seven children. Barbara Lapington married John Conley on June 17, 1961, and they celebrated 53 years of marriage until John’s passing in 2014. Together they had two children, Julie Cutright and Stuart Conley.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband John in 2014, daughter Julie in 2022, parents Irby and Lucille, sister, Carol Bass, sisters-in-law, Julie Lapington and Ricki Lapington, and brothers-in-law Ron Sigler, Stan Leathers, Edgar Bass, and Mick Harvey. She is survived by son Stuart and his wife Sara Conley of Fayetteville, North Carolina; son-in-law Jerry Cutright, of Charleston, Illinois; Granddaughters Katie Diaz-Cutright and her husband David Diaz of Springfield, Illinois; Riley Cutright of Madison, Wisconsin; and Emma Conley of Fayetteville, North Carolina. She is also survived by siblings James Lapington, Wayne Lapington, Janet Leathers, Judy Sigler, and Steve and wife Karen Lapington, sister-in-law Lora Kay Harvey, brother-in-law Dick Conley, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins and friends.
She held employment for many years as a production manager at Bruning. During her life, Barbara enjoyed golfing with John and was an avid member of the Charleston Country Club for many years. She also enjoyed vacationing each winter in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with family members. She was a member of multiple Bridge clubs and enjoyed hosting games in her home. She loved cooking and baking. She was also a passionate crafter, spending much of her time sewing and knitting. In the past several years she knitted over 100 Afghan blankets, sending them to friends, family, and acquaintances all over the world.
Per Barbara’s wishes, there are no planned services at this time.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice Care, 700 W. Lincoln Ave., Suite 100, Charleston, IL 61920.
What’s your fondest memory of Barbara?
What’s a lesson you learned from Barbara?
Share a story where Barbara's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Barbara you’ll never forget.
How did Barbara make you smile?