Barbara Anne Bishop Berger

Barbara was born on July 10, 1944, in Aurora, Illinois, to Marian Stumm and James Reeder. She grew up in Decatur, Illinois, where she attended MacArthur High School. A proud and dedicated student, Barbara went on to attend the University of Illinois in Champaign, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in History. She was also a cherished member of Pi Beta Phi sorority.

On March 6, 1965, Barbara married the love of her life, David Scott Berger. Together they built a beautiful life rooted in faith, love, and family. For 60 years, Barbara and David shared wonderful adventures, fishing trips, celebrations, and friendships. They raised two children and created a family legacy of love, laughter and steadfast commitment.

Although she worked briefly at the Police Department in Decatur, Illinois, Barbara’s true vocation was found in motherhood, homemaking, and volunteer service. Her giving spirit and organizational gifts blessed every community where she and David lived, from Decatur to Peoria to Davenport, and back to Peoria again. She was a room mother, Girl Scout leader, PTA representative, team mom, and faithful community volunteer. Most dear to her heart was her more than 25 years of service at the Peoria Women’s Pregnancy and Crisis Center, where she touched countless lives with compassion and grace.

Barbara was a woman of deep and abiding faith. Her trust in God was unshakable, even as she endured many health challenges throughout her life. With a spirit of perseverance and prayer, she poured her heart into her family, lifting each loved one up daily in ceaseless prayer. Her faith and love will continue to guide and inspire all who knew her.

Barbara is survived by her devoted husband, David, who lovingly and selflessly cared for her through every health trial; her son James Austin Berger (Kim); her daughter Rebecca Jane Jones (Greg); and her beloved granddaughters Riley Jones and Maren Jones. She is also survived by her sister, Jane Osterling (Dale); sisters-in-law Sally Lee (Mike) and Ellen Berger; and many nieces and nephews who adored her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfathers, Bill Bishop and Raymond Stuck; her sister-in-law Janice Lahr; and her half-brother Jeff Reeder.

Barbara will be remembered for her boundless love, unwavering faith, and the countless ways she enriched the lives of her family, friends, and community. Her legacy of love and laughter will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of funeral services, the family asks that you honor Barbara’s life with a donation to your favorite women’s or children’s organization, or by donating to the amazing services of Evertrue/Lenoir Woods Care Center in Columbia, MO at https://www.evertrueliving.org/lenoir-woods/support-us/. Please share about your donation or a favorite memory on Barbara’s memorial website at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/columbia-mo