Barbara J. Gawthrop

Barbara J. Gawthrop, 89, of Monmouth, IL, passed away at 8:34 p.m., Friday, June 7, 2024, at OSF Holy Family Medical Center, Monmouth, IL. 

She was born on September 1, 1934, in Monmouth, IL, the daughter of Theodore M. and Anna Mae (Scott) Pullen.  Barb was raised and educated in Monmouth and graduated from Monmouth High School in 1952. She later earned her Nursing Degree from Carl Sandburg College and her Masters Degree in Gerontology from Western Illinois University.   

Barbara married Gary L. Gawthrop on November 21, 1952, in Monmouth, IL.  He preceded her in death on January 24, 1979.

Barb worked at Warren Achievement in Monmouth for several years.  After earning a nursing degree, Barb worked at several area hospitals including Monmouth Hospital.  After her retirement, Barb cherished the time she spent taking care of her grandchildren.   She was an avid baker and enjoyed baking pies.  Barb liked to sew and was an accomplished seamstress, she even sewed her own wedding dress and made clothing for her children.  Barb was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Monmouth for many years.           

Surviving Barb is her daughter Carrie Grace (John) Kauck of Grayslake, IL; her grandchildren, Tracie Briggs of Monmouth, IL, Casey (Jill) Gawthrop of Indianapolis, IN, Claudia Kauck of Grayslake, IL, Samantha Kauck of Grayslake, IL, Claire McCrery of Kenosha, WI; her great grandchildren, Emmie Briggs of Monmouth, IL and Noah Gawthrop of Indianapolis, IN; her sisters, Evelyn L. Roberson of Santa Cruz, CA, Linda L. Pullen of Monmouth, IL; son-in-law, Doug McCrery of Monmouth, IL; and brother-in-law, Don Toland of Monmouth, IL.  Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.  

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, husband; one son, David A. Gawthrop; one daughter, Annette G. McCrery; one brother, Charles (Helen) Pullen; her sisters, Verna Mae (Darol) Davies, Mary Francis (Walter Eugene) Dennis, Carol (Ronald) Brissey, Martha Jane Toland, and several nieces and nephews. 

Funeral Services will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL.  Interment will be in Warren County Memorial Park, Monmouth, IL.  Visitation will be prior to the service from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Funeral Home.  Memorials can be made to Planting Possibilities, PO Box 1805, Highland, IN 46322,  www.plantingpossibilities.org. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.