Obituary of Barbara C. Stover

Barbara C. Stover
(nee Murphy)

Barbara C. Stover, passed away at her home in Joliet at the age of 83, on Saturday, June 22, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family.  She was born on May 17, 1941, the daughter of the late Leo and Katherine (nee Vetter) Murphy.  Barbara grew up in Elwood, IL, and attended Joliet Central High School. She was a member of CCW of St. Mary Magdalene, a long-time parishioner of St. Jude Church, and a lifetime member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Ingalls Park A.C.

Growing up in a big family, Barbara learned early in life how to take care of others.  Her cooking skills developed at a young age and she mastered that craft throughout her life.  She loved cooking for others and shared her delicious dishes with everyone she cared for.  Barbara loved socializing, was an avid card player, enjoyed testing her fate at video slots, and enjoyed shopping. There will be a void left in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Barbara is survived by her children, Joan Stover, Tony (Carol Mackey) Stover and Kathy (Jeff) Gerhardt; grandchildren Paige (Andrew) McKenzie, Shane (Kenzie) Stover, and Mallory Stover; one great-grandchild on the way; siblings, Mary “Molly” (the late Ray) Glog, and Kay (the late Ed) Buckman; sisters-in-law, Ginny Murphy, Donna Murphy, Marlene Murphy, Bonnie Nordstrom (the late Pete), Udean (the late Ken) Harris, Margaret (the late Corbet) Stover; and brother-in-law, Larry (the late Ann) Kisner.  Several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

She is preceded by her husband, Riley B. Stover; son-in-law, Robert Horkey; daughter-in-law, Peggy Stover; seven brothers, Jerry, Leo, Mike, David, George, Pat, and Bill Murphy; two sisters, Jean Gaffey and Noreen (the late Ken) Brandt; brother-in-law, Jay (the late Gwen) Stover; sister-in-law, Judy (the late Jim) Boyd;  mother-in-law, Claris; and father-in-law, Carnis Stover.

Funeral Services for Barbara C. Stover will be held at 9:00 a.m., on Thursday, June 27, 2024, from Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet, IL, to St. Mary Magdalene Church, 127 S. Briggs Street, Joliet, IL, where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at the funeral home chapel from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to the American Breast Cancer Foundation, Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.