Barbara Jean (Simmons) Johnson

Barbara Jean Simmons Johnson, 76, of Rochester, formerly of Litchfield, passed away Friday, April 3, 2026. She was born September 28, 1949, in East Chicago, IN, a daughter of Wilton R. “Poke” Simmons, Sr. and Genevieve T. (Lasko) Simmons. Barb was a member of the Litchfield High School Class of 1967. She had owned St. Clair Mobile Home Sales in Salem, IL, and was later employed as Executive Secretary for Crime Scene Services Command at Illinois State Police. She married Ronald H. Johnson on May 10, 2008, in Litchfield, IL and they enjoyed sixteen years of marriage until his passing on September 30, 2024. Barb enjoyed her calling as a Sunday school teacher at Chatham United Methodist Church. She enjoyed reading, watching movies, shopping, and was an excellent baker who was known for her cherry pastries and pumpkin roll. Above all, she cherished the time spent watching her grandchildren and spending time with her family in Litchfield.

Barbara is survived by:

Daughters, Cheryl Barrall of Carbondale, IL, Jennifer (John) Osmer of Rochester, IL and Jody (Jeffrey) Haas of Navarre, FL

Son, Kurt Johnson of Edwardsville, IL

Brothers, Melvin “Hop” Simmons of Flat Rock, NC, Kenneth Simmons, Wilton Simmons, Jr. and Joe Simmons, all of Litchfield

Sisters, Joyce Gifford of Bement, IL and Lillie Blevins of Litchfield

Grandchildren, Mason Osmer, Griffin Osmer, Weston Osmer, Hayden Johnson, Nina Johnson, and Lauren Smith.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ron, and a sister, Mary Flynn.

Funeral services for Barb will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 12 noon, at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield. Pastor Gary J. Schwab, ThD, of First Presbyterian Church of Litchfield will officiate. Burial will follow in Providence Cemetery near Waggoner. Visitation will be on Wednesday morning from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be directed to Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Road S.W., Lilburn, GA, 30047 or by calling 404-935-6444.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.