Barbara A. Maupin

Barbara Ann “Bobby” Gerster Maupin, 73, passed away on November 4, 2012 after a long battle with cancer. Bobby was born on June 20, 1939. She was the wife of Deems I. Maupin and the daughter of Anton Gerster and Dollie Gerster. Bobby lived in Springfield all of her life. She graduated from Gulf Park College in Gulfport, MS., where she earned her Associates Degree in Secretarial Science in 1960 She worked as an Administrative Assistant at the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Deartment of Revenue from 1960-1988. Bobby was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and her sister Delores “Dodie” Gerster Sowinski.

She is survived by her sister Antonette G. “Nettie” Stone of Lakeland, FL., her nieces and nephews: Victoria “Vicki” (husband Peter) Karras of Sherman, Alice S. (husband Rusty) DeMoss of Montgomery, AL., Andrew T. (wife Susie) Stone of Lakeland, FL., Christopher P. (wife Julie) Stone of Lakeland, FL., John A. “Jay” Sowinski of Nashville, TN., and her step-daughters: Gail Maupin-Jines (husband John) of Ballwin, MO., and Lynn (husband Dale Bilyeu) Maupin of St. Louis, MO., several step nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews: Mitchell Mlacnik, Rachel Karras, John Karras, Ally Karras, Robert Lee “Tripp” DeMoss, Andrew Christopher “A.C.” DeMoss, Chelsea Elizabeth Stone, Jessica Susan Stone, Jacqueline Hart Stone, Rebecca Marie Stone, and step-grandchildren Jennifer Jines, and Kristin (Michael) Horbinski, step-great grandchildren Mikayla Baird and Tyler Horbinski.

Mrs. Maupin was an active member of First United Methodist Church where she was a King’s Daughter Progress Circle member, she coordinated flowers for the sanctuary, the attendance records, and bible study. She was a member of the United Methodist Women, the Springfield Chapter of the DAR for 52 years. She enjoyed coordinating class reunions with the 1957 Springfield High School reunion committee and she recently attended the 2012 event. She enjoyed her family, friends, international travel, gardening, and competitive bridge.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30am on Wednesday November 7, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church, 2941 Koke Mill Rd, with Dr. Bob Swickard officiating and Rev. Robert L. DeMoss II will conduct the committal service at the graveside, and burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery. The family will meet friends from 4-7pm on Tuesday November 6 at Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 Koke Mill Rd. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, and please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com.