Barbara Jean Tryner

Age 91 of Wilmington, Illinois passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, November 13, 2024 at The Cottages of New Lenox.

Born on February 23, 1933, at the family home in Kankakee, Illinois, Barbara was the eldest of six children born to Weldon Overton and Rufina Octavia “Billie” (Yott) Dyer.

Barbara was raised in Wilmington, and graduated from Wilmington High School with the Class of 1951. A woman of great dedication, Barbara’s early career began at the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant, followed by a devoted chapter dedicated to raising her family and caring for her home. Her professional journey later led her to the First National Bank in Wilmington, where she held numerous roles before eventually serving as the bookkeeper for the Law Office of Tryner and Francis, from where she formally retired.

A member of Island City Baptist Church and the P.E.O., Barbara embodied the spirit of community through service. She offered her time as an election judge and found joy in volunteering at Kuzma Care Cottage, contributing her kindness and dependability to those in need.

Barbara was an avid reader whose favorite pastime was settling in with a good book and a glass of rum and coke. She found joy in music and embraced opportunities to travel, collecting cherished memories along the way. Shopping trips with her sister Donna and daughter Vicki were special occasions, and a stop for ice cream, a simple pleasure she adored.

Family was the heartbeat of Barbara’s life. She was never happier than when surrounded by her grandchildren, always ready with a full cookie jar and an abundance of juice boxes to delight them. Her relationships with her siblings were deeply cherished, full of laughter, shared stories, and unwavering support.

Survivors include her children: Vicki (Bruce) Witczak of Marseilles, Illinois and John Tryner and Amy (Daniel) Potempa, both of Wilmington; her daughter-in-law, Colleen Schumacher of Wilmington; six grandchildren: Sue Ellen Schumacher (Eric) Welps and Michael (Elvina) Schumacher, both of St. Charles, Illinois, Lauren Witczak (Kurt Clausen) and Jacqueline Witczak (Matthew Greathouse), both of Ottawa, Illinois and Alex Potempa and Molly Potempa of Wilmington; four great grandchildren: Braylen Zajda, Joey Welps, Rya Schumacher and Connor Welps, with another expected; one sister, Donna (Skip) Bolz of Wilmington; three sisters-in-law: Barbara Dyer, Karen Dyer and Marilyn (Rex) Webb and numerous nieces and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joseph J. Tryner (October 3, 2015), daughter Cheryl Schumacher; son, Richard Schumacher; grandsons: Timothy Schumacher and Brian Schumacher and four siblings: Beverly, Ronald, Donald and Richard.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Island City Baptist Church, 120 Vine Street in Wilmington on Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. until time of memorial service, 12:00 p.m. A private family inurnment will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Wilmington, where Barbara will be laid to rest with her late daughter Cheryl and near her late husband Joseph.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Barbara’s memory to Kuzma Care Cottage, 635 S. Main Street, Wilmington, Illinois 60481.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Barbara’s memorial page online through social media.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)