Barb was born in Urbana, IL February 18, 1940 the daughter of Elmer and Flora (Rothermel) Messman. She married Burless Bennett in Bloomington, IL August 4, 1963 and he survives.
Also surviving are her daughters; Carol (Michael) Barry of Sugar Grove, IL, and Kimberly Stephens of Geneva, IL, her grandchildren; Ashly (Edwin) Rivera, Patrick (Allyson) Barry, Emma Stephens, Regan Stephens, Claire Stephens, and Liam Stephens, her great grandchildren; Javan Barry, Josie Rivera, Emersen Barry, Jessella Rivera, Emmett Barry, Emery Barry, Jaxtyn Rivera and Jazzlyn Rivera, and her sister, Bonnie Swaim of Planfield, IL.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, C. Daniel Messman.
Barb earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education and devoted her career to the classroom. She served for 5 years in the Ashland School District and them 21 years as a teacher at First Congregational Pre-School in Springfield.
Barb served as president of the Capitol Area Education for Young Children, was a former member of the Junior League, and served as chairman for the Conference for Prairie Capital Convention Center. She was a faithful member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church where she served as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School Teacher. She was also a member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. Barb and Burless enjoyed traveling in their RV.
Barb’s family will greet family and friends on Monday, September 15, 2025 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church 2645 Old Jacksonville Rd. Springfield, IL beginning at 10:00 am until the time of the funeral service at 11:30 am. Reverends Joshua Traxel and Joel Springer will officiate. Burial will be private in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Those who wish may direct memorial contributions to the Lutheran Women Missionary League c/o Our Savior’s Lutheran Church 2645 Old Jacksonville Rd. Springfield, IL 62704 or the Lutheran Hour Ministries 660 Mason Ridge Center Dr. St. Louis, MO.
Arrangements are in the care of Bisch Funeral West. 217-544-5424
