Barbara Coralyn Tolley, 88, passed away on Sun., Jan. 17, 2021 at 4:13 p.m. at Heritage Health and Senior Care in Litchfield. Barbara was born on August 19, 1932, in Dale, Illinois, the only child of Loomis McKinley and Norah Alice (Tucker) Barker. She married Bill Tolley on October 27, 1951 at the Methodist church in Dale, Illinois. She and Bill were married 69 years. Barbara graduated from McLeansboro High School in 1950. She, Bill, and Carolyn moved from Dale to Litchfield in 1960 when Bill was hired to establish and manage the Aylco Chemical store. Loralea and Teresa joined the family after the move to Litchfield. Barbara was a homemaker. She treasured her roles as wife and mother. In addition, Barbara worked as the secretary for St. Timothy United Methodist church in Litchfield for fifteen years. Barbara was a faithful member of St. Timothy United Methodist Church. She belonged to the Builders Sunday School class, served as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, and belonged to the Pricilla Circle and United Methodist Women (UMW). She was active with the UMW rummage and cherry pie bake sales and many in the community still remember those delicious pies.
Barbara dearly loved her home. She enjoyed the holidays and decorating for the four seasons. She was a fashion diva and believed “sensible shoes” were terribly overrated. She always looked forward to going out dancing with Bill and their friends on Saturday nights. Barbara relished her morning coffee, books, word puzzles, and flowers. She enjoyed going for long walks with her dear pal, cocker spaniel Lady. Her greatest joy was being with family and hosting large dinners for holidays and special occasions. She was a loving wife, a devoted daughter, and a cherished mother, grandmother and aunt.
She is survived by her husband Bill, children, Carolyn (Howard) Nimmons of Florissant, MO, Loralea (David) Liss of Argenta, and Teresa (David) Fields of Channahon; four grandchildren, Joseph (Amanda) Nimmons of Superior, CO, Matthew (Tiffany) Nimmons of Maryville, Lauren Hocking of Decatur, and Elise Hocking of Champaign. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren, Brandon, Connor, Mallory, Brody, Gabrielle and Jacqueline. In addition, she is survived by sisters-in-law, Verma Hensley of Evansville, IN, Ida Greer Wilson of Carmi, and Edith Tolley Robinson of Swansea; nephew, Dan (Betsy) Greer of Washington, MO, niece, Beth (Ron) Kennon of Swansea, and great-nephew, Jesse Dale of Carbondale.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, great-grandson, Drew Nimmons, and two nieces, Mary Duncan and Rosanna Dale.
She has flown! “She has outsoared the shadow of our night.” The family would like to thank the staff at Heritage Health for their loving care of Barbara.
A private family service will be held, with interment at Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield. Rev. Jake Wetterlin and Rev. Dennis Hill will officiate. The family requests memorials be made to St. Timothy United Methodist Church.
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