Barbara M. Cochran

Barbara Marie Cochran was born to Charles and Ethel Butler on May 23, 1936 in St. Louis, Missouri. She passed away at her home outside of Gladstone, Illinois on March 30, 2022, after several years of struggling with Alzheimer's. Most of Barbara's young childhood was spent in various locations, but her family eventually settled in Eureka, Missouri, where she graduated in 1954. As a teen she taught tap, ballroom dancing and ballet, worked as a waitress, and for Brown Shoe Company. Barbara received a Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1957, completing her degree in three years. After graduation, she taught for three years in Blue Mound, Illinois. Barbara married Lloyd J. Cochran on July 17th, 1960. While they lived in Washington, Illinois, Barb taught until she was expecting their first child. They moved to Eureka, Illinois to be able to have a home delivery. After they moved to Oquawka, Illinois in 1966 the majority of her time was spent being a wife and mother: raising their four girls, gardening, canning, baking large batches of bread and pies, and chauffeuring their daughters to various events. Later Barbara returned to work within the Unions School district where she enjoyed teaching for many years. She attended and was active in Faith Bible Church in Oquawka, Illinois. She is survived by Lloyd, their four daughters and spouses: Lori Hendrickson and Rob, Patricia Potts and David, Martha Shedd and Nate, and Celeste Kearney and Dan, 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. She is preceded in her death by her parents, and two brothers. 

A funeral service will be held Tuesday April 5th at 11:00 am at Turnbull Funeral Home in Oquawka, Illinois followed by a graveside committal service in Oquawka Cemetery. Her family plans visitation and will receive their friends from 10:00 to 11:00 an prior to the funeral service at the funeral home.  A meal will follow at Faith Bible Church in Oquawka, Illinois. 

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