Barbara Stinson

MORTON — Barbara Naomi Stinson, 94, longtime resident of Morton, Ill., passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2021, at The Restoracy of Whitestown, Ind.

She was born on March 25, 1926 in DuQuoin, Ill., to Carrol and Adeline (Owens) Melvin. Barbara met Quentin Stinson while attending Southern Illinois University (SIU) and the couple were married on June 11, 1948, at the First Presbyterian Church in DuQuoin.

When Miss Melvin graduated from SIU in 1947, she began teaching math, driver’s ed and PE at Du Quoin High School. She paused her teaching career to raise her family, but was always involved in the PTA, taught Sunday school and was involved at her church. She returned to teaching in 1976 at Morton High School in Morton, Ill., and was a driver’s ed teacher, PE teacher and cheerleading advisor. She was deeply passionate about her students and cheer family, devoting countless hours and building lifelong relationships. She later taught as a substitute teacher and loved working with her students in special education.

Barbara and Quentin loved sports: football, basketball, softball, soccer, golf, lacrosse, field hockey, baseball, track . . . they were seen in stadiums and bleachers all across the country and in all sorts of weather. They were both skilled at golf and loved to follow their favorite professional golfers. Barb eventually gave up golf to spend more time with her grandchildren, but took up running. She ran several 5K, 10K and mini marathons across the country, until she was 90.

Barbara (Grandma) will be remembered for her strawberry jelly, cupcakes, sourdough rolls, and homemade pizzas. She was an accomplished seamstress and also knitted beautifully. She was always ready to pitch in and help, giving countless volunteer hours at concession stands, church bazaars, and civic events. She supported many causes, but her greatest gift was the gift of her time—she was always there to help.

Quentin preceded her in death on May 2, 2000. She was also preceded in death by her eldest son, Robert (Ellen) Stinson.

Barbara is survived by one son, Buck (Beth) Stinson of Richmond, Va.; and two daughters, Jody (Pete) Toth of Brownsburg, Ind., and Bonnie Fairchild of Ellenton, Fla. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Jessica (Mitch) Stout, Kristen (Travis) Trout, Dan Stinson, Katy (Erik) Hartman, Jacque (Pat) Wertz, Katelyn (Jimmy) Wellwood, Nina Stinson and Miranda Stinson. She had a beloved niece, three step grandsons and four great grandchildren. Barb had a huge heart and was “Grandma Barb” to several other ‘adopted’ grandchildren.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private family service will be held at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton. Burial will take place at Roberts Cemetery in Morton. Instead of an in-person visitation, family invites friends to remember Barb and celebrate her life through her online tribute: https://vimeo.com/504837087

Barbara was a giving person, devoting an endless amount of time and support to many causes. She loved giving little gifts to brighten one’s day. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests friends donate in Barb’s memory to whatever charity is closest to their heart, and thereby continue her giving spirit. Gifts can also be made to the SIU Foundation athletics scholarships: https://siuf.org/giving/payment.php

Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.

To leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.knappjohnson.com