Barbara R. Stitzel

Barbara R. Stitzel, 66, of Dunlap, Illinois, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, May 24, following a courageous four-year battle with ovarian cancer. Born January 26, 1957, in Buffalo, New York, to Lloyd and Margaret (Freeman) Reeves, she married Daniel J. Stitzel on August 9, 1980, at Trinity United Church of Christ in Gowanda, New York.

Barbara graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Ohio Northern University's Raabe College of Pharmacy and enjoyed a professional career as a registered pharmacist in retail, urgent care and hospital settings, before starting and raising her family.

A faithful parishioner at Prospect United Methodist Church until diagnosis, Barbara continued to attend via online services throughout the pandemic until the time of her death.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Daniel; two sons, Benjamin (Ashely Layton) Stitzel, of Metamora; and MM1 Peter (Phylicia) Stitzel, currently stationed with the United States Navy in Roda, Spain; eight grandchildren: Isaac, Stella and Emma Stitzel; Harmony Stitzel; Peighton and Preston Layton; Aiden and Jace Little; and Isaac's mother, Samantha (Brandon) Little, of East Peoria.

She is also survived by a brother, David (Jacquelyn) Reeves; a sister Nancy (David) Steves, all of Collins, New York; three nephews Jordan, Adam (Arielle Holmes) and Trevor (Kimberly) Steves, and niece, Emily Steves. Additionally, she is survived by a great-niece and great nephew, Hadley and Paxton Steves, and several cousins.

Barbara was predeceased by her parents; paternal and maternal grandparents; father- and mother-in-law, Theodore and Joyce Stitzel; sister-in-law, Nancy Stitzel; and her beloved dachshund, Oscar.

Family and friends may call at the Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home, 2408 West Willow Knolls Drive, Peoria, from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2023, immediately followed by a celebration of Barbara's life at 11 a.m.

The family expresses heartfelt thanks to the healthcare professionals at: Illinois CancerCare, OSF HealthCare (including the OSF Infusion Center and Richard L. Owens Hospice Home); MD Anderson Cancer Center for Barbara's compassionate care.

Memorials in Barbara's name can be made to: any of the above; Trinity United Church of Christ, Gowanda, NY; Prospect United Methodist Church, Dunlap; an animal rescue of your choice or Jolls Cemetery (11472 Dewey Rd., Perrysburg, NY 14129).

Inurnment will take place at the convenience of the family in Jolls Cemetery.

You may view Barbara’s obituary online at www.woolsey-wilton.com