obituaries

Barbara Eaker

Bethalto |

Barbara A. Eaker, 66, went home to be with the Lord at 6:08 pm Monday, June 24, 2013 at Alton Memorial Hospital with her family by her side.

 

She was born October 27, 1946 in Alton, IL, the daughter of Alfred and Mary (Betts) Sivia.  

She married Donald Eaker on November 2, 1963 in Meadowbrook.  He survives.  Barb and Don’s marriage was one of unmatched closeness and friendship.  They were truly soul mates. 

Barb had an over abundance of love, which could not be contained as it flowed out of her like a spring.  Her life was devoted to loving and caring for her husband, daughters, grandkids, and extended family.  In many roles as wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandma or aunt, she always put the needs of her family ahead of her own.

She also dedicated her life to teaching, nurturing and loving children.  Whether it was through her thirty years in children’s ministry, sacrificing numerous summer weeks volunteering at camp or even in her job as a school bus driver, Barb knew her purpose in life was to share the love of Christ with, as she called them, jewels.  Barb passed her love in the form of songs, stories, lessons and hugs.  Children would flock to Barb for she was renowned for offering children a stick of gum as an expression of love.  She had an innate ability to spot a hurting child and she was always there to provide comfort and acceptance.  Her many acts of kindness went unnoticed by others seeking no acclaim and praise, always the humble servant.  The countless lives she touched serve as testament that hers was a life well lived.  She left a legacy of love that will endure as the numerous children she touched teach their own kids the songs, lessons and loving example Barb taught. 

In addition to her husband of 49 years, she is survived by her mother, Mary Sivia Overmeyer of Bethalto; two daughters and sons-in-law, Renee and Steven Lewis of Portland, Oregon and Marilyn and Gregory Warren of Bethalto; four grandchildren, Tyler and Brennan Warren and Lindsey and her fiancé, Tommy Stoneberg and Grant Lewis; her siblings and their spouses, Shirley and Bernie Corno of O’Fallon, MO, Wayne and Marcia Sivia of Godfrey and Sue and Keith Lingle of Bethalto; her mother-in-law, Alyene Eaker of Bethalto; her nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Alfred Sivia and stepfather, Jim Overmeyer and her father-in-law, Seldon Eaker. 

Barb embodies the scripture: Luke 9:48 – And He said unto them, “Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me; and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me; for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.”

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm Thursday, June, 27, 2013 at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto.  Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Friday, June 28, 2013 at the funeral home with Pastor Jim Pratt officiating.

Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.


Memorials may be made to the Bethel General Baptist Church. 

Check out “Blessed by Barb” facebook page.

Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com


Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home

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