Barbara Ann Gard

She was born on August 3, 1934, in Peoria, Illinois. Barb was the daughter of Charles B. and Florence H. (Shade) Ginocchio. She married Robert L. Gard (who survives her) on April 7, 1956, and was blessed to enjoy 67 years with the love of her life.

Barb is survived by two daughters, Jennifer (Mark) Kunkel of Belvidere, Illinois, and Karen (Randy) Cook of Chatham, Illinois. The lights of her life were her four grandchildren, Tiffany (Jake) Johnkoski of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Dakota (Kaitlyn) Cook of Chatham, Illinois, Hailey Cook of Springfield, Illinois and Brody Cook of Fenton, Missouri. Barb’s grandchildren adored her and fondly called her Gram Cracker.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles, and Florence; one brother, Joseph Ginocchio; and her beloved dog, Cindy Ann.

Barb was a member of the Sigma Kappa sorority at Bradley University. She retired from Caterpillar Tractor Company in 1989 after 18 years of service, last working as a division manager’s secretary. She often talked about how much she loved her job. Barb was a former member of Crossroads United Methodist Church in Washington, Illinois prior to her move two years ago to be closer to her daughter in Springfield, Illinois.

Barb loved being with her family more than anything, and they gave her immense joy. She was the quintessential homemaker. Barb loved to try new recipes, and she was often found on the internet reading recipes, especially Southern Home recipes. She took considerable pride in taking care of her family and providing the best home cooked meals on the planet. It was quite common for people to ask for her recipe after enjoying a meal or dessert at her house.

A private service was held on August 12th. A Celebration of Life for family and friends (lunch provided) will be held on August 19th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Fairview Farms in Bartonville, Illinois.

Memorials may be made in Barb’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL.