Barbara K. Waltrip's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Barbara K. Waltrip, age 87 of Charleston entered her Heavenly Home while at her Hilltop Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center residence on Friday, May 16, 2014. Visitation for family and friends will be held today (Sunday) May 18, 2014 from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating her life will be held at the funeral chapel at 3:00 p.m. today, immediately following the visitation with Pastor Mike Southards officiating. Burial will follow at Mound Cemetery in Charleston. It is requested that thoughtful donations in her honor be made to the Coles County Animal Shelter or to St. Jude Childrens Hospital. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Barbara was born on November 13, 1926 in Charleston to the late Elmer and Florence (Ballard) Rogers. She had several younger brothers and assumed a responsible role in their upbringing at an early age. On March 26, 1949 Barb began a new chapter in her life and was united in marriage to Russell Waltrip. She is survived by Russ, her loving husband of 65 years; their three children, Rick Waltrip and wife Sharron of rural Westfield, Illinois, Terry Waltrip and wife Marlene of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Paula Parker and husband Tim of Charleston; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Barb was employed at Charleston Brown Shoe Company and also the Charleston Locker Plant. She attended the Mattoon School of Beauty Culture and following her graduation in 1962 opened Barbara's Beauty Shop which she operated out of her home. She later accepted a position at Eastern Illinois University and at the time of her retirement was the supervisor of the Women's Equipment Room. Barb was a long-time faithful member of the First Christian Church in Charleston and also a member of the Women of the Moose Charleston Chapter No. 1175. Barb was blessed with a multitude of talents. She was a marvelous seamstress, enjoyed needle crafts such as knitting, created beautiful ceramic pieces, taught herself to play the organ and was even a skilled carpenter. She enjoyed collecting angels and over the years her collection became quite extensive. Barb was also quite fond of watching the hummingbirds and going to the gambling boat with her best friend Jenny Beavers who became the sister she never had. To say she enjoyed camping might be an understatement - she was always ready to load up the camper and head out. Barb was a good friend to many and in return she and Russ were blessed with many wonderful friendships. Her little dog, Jada was her canine best friend and was often found resting on her lap. She loved her family dearly and being a loving and devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother was her number one priority. Barb was faced with physical challenges in her life but always accepted them with a sense of dignity and grace - never complaining or becoming a burden to her family and friends. She remained that pleasant and fun-loving person who was never one to judge and whose companionship was always enjoyed. She earned the admiration and love of her family and friends who will miss her daily presence in their lives but will always treasure and remember the many wonderful times shared.
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