Barbara Mary Diebold

Barbara Mary Diebold, 83, passed away on November 3, 2026. Barbara was born on October 11, 1943, in Chicago, to John & Elsie (Miller) Lux. She grew up in Chicago alongside her siblings, Clare & John, and graduated from St. Benedict's High School.

In 1965, Barbara married Robert Diebold. Together they raised four children—Mike, Kevin, Michele, and Debbie—in Crystal Lake. Throughout the years, Barbara gave herself fully to the work of family life: steady, attentive, and determined. She was the one who kept everything running—carefully managing the budget, tracking the details, and making sure needs were met, whether it was something as small as gas mileage or as important as school expenses. She also helped Robert when he brought work home, and, in the years that followed, she devoted herself selflessly as his caregiver while he battled brain cancer. When he passed in 1985, Barb made sure to continue to teach her children the things that were important to both her and Robert: a strong work ethic, responsibility for themselves and the people around them, and kindness to everyone.

Barbara’s devotion extended beyond her home and into her community. She helped start St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, where served as a minister. She also volunteered as a lunch monitor at her children’s school, Coventry Elementary, and worked at Walgreens as a cosmetician to support her family—doing what was needed, without fanfare, and always with others in mind.

Barbara found joy in simple pleasures and in the people she loved. She enjoyed crocheting and making blankets, reading novels—especially romance and mysteries—and spending time with crossword puzzle books. She loved old television shows, including “Gunsmoke” and other black-and-white favorites. She looked forward to lunches with her children, and she cherished camping trips with Michele’s family, including a memorable trip to Yellowstone. Her home was a gathering place, and Barbara had a way of making people feel cared for—like a mom to everyone who walked through the door.

Those who knew Barbara will remember how much she cared for others, with warmth and a sense of humor that could lighten any moment. She loved to laugh, to be goofy and silly with her family, and to make the best of difficult situations. She gave generously of her time and love, even when she had little, and she took a genuine interest in each of her grandchildren, finding joy in who they were as individuals. She measured life’s accomplishments not in recognition, but in the people she loved and the values she passed on. Her greatest treasure was her family, and she devoted herself to them completely.

Barbara is survived by her children, Michael (Michelle) Diebold, Kevin (Susan) Diebold, Michele (Joe) Nepras & Debbie Diebold; her grandchildren Katelyn (Alex) Schuman, Courtney (James) Krohn, Tanner Nepras, Nathan Nepras & Brooke Nepras; her great-grandchildren Kaysen Krohn & Eloise Schuman; and many other beloved family members and friends.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Robert Diebold; her parents John & Elsie Lux; and her siblings Clare & John.

Visitation will be held at Querhammer & Flagg Funeral Home, 500 West Terra Cotta Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60014, on November 6, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. A Funeral Service will follow at Querhammer & Flagg Funeral Home on November 6, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. A Graveside Service will take place at Calvary Cemetery, 701 W Jackson St, Woodstock, IL 60098, on November 6, 2026, from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm.