Barbara was born December 23, 1931, in Decatur, IL, the daughter of Roy S. and Rita A. (Friend) Schneider. She married Norval F. Melton, Jr. on December 22, 1951, at Sacred Heart Church in Springfield.
Barbara graduated from Feitshans High School in 1950. She was a homemaker and employed at Sears. She enjoyed gardening, reading, and golfing with the Grasshopper Golf League. Above all else she loved her family.
Barbara is survived by her children, Deborah Turrentine and Norval F. (Phyllis) Melton III; five grandchildren, Thomas Turrentine, Matthew (Tabetha Hebenstreit) Turrentine, Patricia (Richard Staley) Turrentine, Stephen (Christine) Melton, and Christopher (Cassandra) Melton; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Norval; parents; siblings; and son-in-law.
Private burial will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Concordia Village, 4101 W. Iles Ave., Springfield, IL 62711 or the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 116, Springfield, IL 62701.
The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL.