Barb was the second child born to Edward Frank and Eunice A. (Conrad) DeLong on April 10, 1922 in Canton, IL. Her father was a shaft coal miner at that time.
Barb had an older sister, C. Arlene (Paul) Spencer. Her younger sister was Marilyn (Robert) Whitaker. Her younger brother was Donald (Phyllis) DeLong. Barb, a people and family person, enjoyed the company and time together with her family and their children. Unfortunately, her parents, siblings, and their spouses predeceased her.
Barb was physically active during her youth. She played baseball in the neighborhood, rode her bicycle, mowed lawns, and loved to roller skate. She graduated from the Canton High School in 1940.
Barb worked during high school and after. She was employed in a grocery store, a bakery, restaurant, and a catalog store. As World War II was ending, she worked at Montgomery Wards. On a certain day a young Army soldier from Astoria, IL came in to look around. He was in uniform with blondish hair and blue eyes. He began talking with her and soon asked her to have coffee with him. His name was Wallace M. Danner. They had coffee that afternoon during her break time. It was the beginning of their relationship.
On April 10, 1947 Barb and Wally married. That was on her 25th birthday. They enjoyed almost 71 years of marriage before his death on March 31, 2018.
One child was born to Barb and Wally. On July 1, 1954 they welcomed the birth of their son, Edward Ray Danner. They named him after both of his grandfathers, Edward DeLong and Ray Danner.
Barb really enjoyed being a parent and a homemaker. She kept a spotless house, provided excellent care, and managed the household. She was a dedicated parent who preached good morals, honesty, and education. She taught her son to read before first grade and constantly emphasized how important a good education was. She insisted on always using one’s best efforts.
In the fall of 1974, Barb met for the first time a young lady from Chicago that was dating her son at Western Illinois University. They were juniors in college. Barb had traveled to Macomb with a friend, Wilma Widger. On the way back to Canton, Barb told Wilma that she thought she had just met her future daughter-in-law. She was right, as usual, as Ed and Rose married on June 12, 1976 after completing college.
On November 29, 1989, Barb was blessed with the birth of her only grandchild, Adriana Rae (Anthony) Stewart. She adored her granddaughter and enjoyed every moment they were together. Barb and her granddaughter shared their special song “you are my sunshine”. Barb had two great-grandchildren, Sherri Ann Stewart and Lucas Nathaniel Stewart. She loved them deeply.
Barb is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She was often thought of as the “fun” aunt. She joked with them, indulged them, and from time to time cared for them. Judy (Ray) Brown was a dependable dinner companion and gambling buddy at OTO on Tuesday nights until Covid. Janet (Terry) Tabor was a frequent visitor and phone buddy.
Barb also has a niece, Laura Plotts, and a nephew, Michael DeLong, of Cuba, IL. Barb had a special relationship with them for helping care for them while young.
Barb is also survived by three out of state nephews, Bill Spencer at Colorado, Brian Whitaker of Florida, Jim Spencer of California, and step-nephew, Kevin VanOrder.
Barb was a “people” person. She easily made friends during her life. Special thanks to new friends, Christina and Claire Foulnier and to Abe Turner who kept an eye on Barb during her nineties on Sycamore Terrace.
Barb thoroughly enjoyed life. She enjoyed bowling/ won two individual league tournaments in 1960 and 1963, roller skating, and bicycle riding into her 50’s. She kept up with current events through newspapers and television until age 100. She was a proud member of the Fulton County Democrat Women’s Club. She was a dog lover and a Cubs fan.
April 10 was a big date in Barb’s life. She was born on April 10, 1922. She was married on April 10, 1947. And on her 84th birthday, April 10, 2006, she witnessed her son being sworn in as Fulton County Circuit Court Judge. Just three of the many special days in her life. She will be missed.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 6, 2025 at Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, IL. Visitation will be held the same day from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Rev. Monroe Bailey will officiate. Burial will follow service at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, IL. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Food Pantry or Fulton County Humane Society. To view Barb’s DVD or to make an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com
