Barbara Joan Sleeth

Barbara J. Sleeth, 84, of Peoria died at 2:05 a.m. on May 2, 2013 at Cornerstone Healthcare Center, formerly known as OSF St. Clare. Her daughter and son-in-law were by her side when she peacefully transitioned into a new life. Barbara was born February 25, 1929 in Peoria, the daughter of George and Marion Lyman Peake. She married Gerald Sleeth on December 26, 1948 in Peoria. He preceded her in death on November 2, 2008. Surviving are her two children, Robyn (Lynn) Sleeth, of Colorado Springs, CO, Michele (Tim) Lisenby of Peoria; three grandchildren, Jason (Christa) Sleeth, and Tyler (Raeonin) and Chase Lisenby; five great-grandchildren, Nate, Jaden, Ethan, Benjamin, and Henry; one brother, Robert Peake of Colorado Springs; one sister Lavetta Ricca of Peoria. Barbara was also preceded in death by her parents. Barbara was a graduate of the Manuel Training High School. She attended Bradley University, majoring in music, and was affiliated with Sigma Alpha Lota Sorority. She was a vocalist in numerous productions. She also sang with the Stephen Foster Singers, Municipal Band, Peoria Symphony Orchestra at the Glen Oak Pavilion and for the Westminster Church Choir where she was a member. She worked at Byerly Music in Peoria for thirteen years, and at Samuel Music as a music Coordinator. She also worked in the offices of Cater Inn, Dr. Phillip Immesotete, and at L. R. Nelson. She put her heart and soul into every job she had and cultivated special friendships with many of her coworkers that continued for years. Her home was one filled with music. She and her husband loved to play the piano and sing along. There were always music playing on the stereo with songs from Burt Bacharach, Dionne Warwick, Barbara Streisand and Tony Bennett to name a few. She loved to sew and enjoyed making special dresses that her husband, Jerry,matched his shirt and tie to, for a Saturday night of dancing at the "Hub". We thank you, Mom and Dad for giving us such wonderful memories filled with music. It's time for you and Dad to dance again! She and her husband Jerry, took great pride in their home, which Jerry built with his own hands with the help of some of his "bricklaying buddies" and family members. Barbara and Jerry loved to entertain and had many memorable parties with family and friends.

A good Daughter...a good Wife...a good Mother and Grandmother...A GREAT LIFE! A funeral service will be at 5:00 p.m. Monday May 6, 2013 at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria. Visitation will be two hours prior to services. Pastor Jack Thompson will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded. Memorials may be made to The Children's Hospital of Illinois or donor's choice. To view or leave an online condolence please go to www. davisonfulton.com.