Barbara Flanders

NAME Barbara H. Flanders, age 84, of Elburn, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the love of her family on Tuesday, October 7, 2008. BORN: She was born on March 8, 1924 the daughter of William and Cecile (Critchlow) Hope in Oskaloosa, IA. EARLY YEARS :Barbara grew up briefly in Iowa before moving to Aurora in 1926 where her father had found work. Their new home was huge in comparison to what they had in Iowa. It was always full of family and friends, many of whom also made the trek from Albia and Oskaloosa and rented the extra rooms until they found a place of their own. EDUCATION: Throughout the next several years the family would move to different parts of Aurora, but Barbara continued to attend local schools until she graduated in the spring of 1941. Following graduation, with the help of a $50 grant from the University Women, Barbara took classes in typing and shorthand at Wilson’s Business College. She also worked as a hostess at Julia King’s Restaurant. She continued her schooling at Aurora College, now Aurora University. Barbara would eventually receive a Masters Degree in Education and spent many years teaching at local schools. Later she became an office manager at a manufacturing company for fifteen years until her retirement in the mid 1970’s. MARRIAGE On June 21, 1947, Barbara was united in marriage to Alan K. Flanders at the Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church, Colwell Chapel, Aurora. They made their home in Aurora for a time while Alan worked at Durabilt until they moved to Schudel’s farm west of Batavia. RESIDENTIAL HISTORY: In 1952 Alan and Barbara moved to Sugar Grove but returned to Kaneville in 1972 when the call of family brought them back to care for Alan’s father. Following Alan’s passing in 1996, Barbara continued to live in Kaneville and devoted much of her time to the Kaneville United Methodist Church and was treasurer for several years. She also worked with the Kaneville Fire Department Trustees for over fifteen years. Later due to declining health, Barbara moved in with her son Rick where she has since made her home. LIFE NOTES Even through the Depression Era, the spirit of the family stayed strong and was strengthened with a yearly trip to Union Lake in Minnesota and later Raccoon Lake in Indiana. The whole year was structured around the two weeks spent together with friends and family, sometimes numbering over thirty. Barbara and Alan would take long scenic drives to California to see family and take the northern route home making memories with every passing mile. The foundation of Barbara’s life has always been family. Anything was possible as long as you had a strong work ethic and a supportive close-knit family. The years she spent watching her children and grandchildren grow only enforced that belief. Memories in the millions and a lifetime of wisdom will be passed on for generations to come. SURVIVORS She now leaves her children:Shirley (Garen) of Boise, ID and Rick (Cindy) Flanders of Elburn. Four grandchildren:Jason (Anita) Flanders of Morris, IL, Josh (Traci) Flanders of Oswego, IL, Jesse (Nicole) Flanders of Cortland, IL, and Joe Flanders of Elburn, IL;Eight great-grandchildren;Two sisters:Mildred Shields of CA, and Jeanne Vanatta of Rochelle, IL;Several nieces and nephews and a family friends. PRECEDED She now joins her parents and husband Alan;One sister, Carmen Guzeman and One brother, William Hope who preceded her in death.

VISITATION / FUNERAL Friends may call from 4-5:30 p.m. during a pre-service visitation with a funeral service to celebrate her life to begin at 6 p.m. For those unable to attend the service, a post-service visitation will be held from 7-8 p.m., at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn on Friday, October 10th, 2008. Burial will be held the following morning at 10 a.m. at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Aurora, IL