Born February 7, 1928 in Galesburg, she was the daughter of Richard L. and Helen (Yearnshaw) Baxter.
She graduated from Peoria Manual in 1945 just before her family moved to Pekin, where she met George. Both attended the University of Illinois before George transferred to Bradley University and Barbara went to work as a secretary for Pekin Specialty Company. Barbara and George were married August 28, 1949 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Pekin and lived in Pekin ever since.
Surviving are her husband; one daughter, Donna Jean (Michael) Monn; one grandson, Dr. Kristopher (Wendy) Monn; one granddaughter, Andrea Young; four great-grandchildren, Eryn, Sydney, Jack Monn and Layne Young. She also leaves her son-in-law, John H. Black, Jr.; two nephews, Ric Baxter and Rob Baxter and her cousins, Priscilla Schmalzel and Janet Hearn.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Linda Ann Black; two stillborn children; one brother, Robert Baxter; a sister-in-law, Ida Lou Baxter and a niece, Deborah McKown.
When George started Beres Motor Company in 1953 Barbara joined him in the office and worked with him until they sold their business in 1984. During their 31 years in the automobile business they enjoyed many trips around the continental United States, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada and many countries in Western Europe for dealer meetings. After they sold their business in 1984, Barbara turned to volunteering and spent the remaining 37 years helping several service groups in Pekin including, Delta Theta Tau Sorority; United Way of Pekin; Pekin Y.W.C.A., Y.W.C.A. Reserves, Pekin Hospital League and Pekin Civic Chorus.
Since her father, Dick Baxter, was a coach, Barb inherited a love for sports and loved participating in swimming, bowling, golf and watching basketball, football, baseball and golf on TV.
Her memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Judy Doyle will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the funeral home. Private inurnment will follow in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Midwest Affiliate, 530 Northeast Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, IL 61637.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
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