She was born January 18, 1948 in Canton to Willis Dean and Mildred Ilean (Wilson) Kessler. She married Stanley J. Gilbert June 18, 1972 in Astoria. He preceded her in death September 20, 2007. Her parents also preceded her in death.
Surviving are her three children, Stephen Gilbert, Michael (Sirina) Gilbert both of Peoria, and Catherine (Cory Flanigan) Gilbert of East Peoria; three grandchildren, Zachary, Elliott and Jeannine; and three siblings, Melba (Bob) Baker of Astoria, Kevin (Tammy) Kessler of Canton, and Linda (Franklin) Mikulich of Lewistown.
Barbara was a longtime member of First Church of the Brethren in Peoria, where she sang in the choir. She worked as a clerk at the circulation desk at the I.C.C. Library in Peoria. She loved singing, reading doing crossword puzzles and spending time with her grandchildren. She will be remembered for her great laugh and sense of humor.
A private service will be held with live streaming of the service available at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 30, 2021 on the Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel Facebook page. Burial will be at Woodland Cemetery in Astoria.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Words of comfort can be shared with the family at www.davison-fulton.com.
