Barbara Jean Van Riper
January 8, 1929 ~ August 22, 2025
Resided in:
Kewanee, IL
Barbara Jean Van Riper, 96, formerly of Kewanee, IL passed away on Friday, August 22, 2025 at Hillcrest Home in Geneseo, IL.
Barbara was born on January 8, 1929 the daughter of Earl and Zula (Tucker) Woodford. Barabara graduated from Bradley University in Peoria IL with her Bachelor’s Degree. She married Gordon Van Riper in November of 1976. He preceded her in death in March of 1994. Barbara attended church at Galva Methodist Church and then later at Leet Methodist Church in Bradford. She enjoyed traveling, playing bridge and was an avid reader.
She is survived by her two children, Carol (Jon) Hughes of Kansas City, MO and Randall (Kathleen) Finnegan of Baiting Hollow, NY; two grandchildren, Tori (Ryan) Stegall and Erin (Blaze) Finnegan Yeager; 3 great grandchildren, Caitlin Stegall, Madelyn Stegall and Finn Yeager.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one grandson, Christopher Hughes and one brother, Robert Woodford.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cremation Rites have been accorded.
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We enjoyed having Barbara as our neighbor for many years. She could tell interesting stories about their travels and old times at the John Deere dealership! Blessings to your family!
Barb & her husband Gordon were neighbors & helped us out after we had a house fire in 1989. They had a house in town that we stayed in while our house was being restored from the fire & it was a life saver to us. Barb was a lovely lady & my sincere condolences to her family.