Barbara J. (Kumler) Gay
Born: Mon., Jun. 5, 1939
Died: Fri., Feb. 12, 2021
Visitation
12:30 PM to 2:00 PM, Sat., Feb. 20, 2021
Location: Pittsfield Location
Funeral Service
2:00 PM Sat., Feb. 20, 2021
Location: Niebur Funeral Home


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Barbara June Gay, age 81, of Rockport, IL passed away Friday, February 12, 2021 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL. She was born June 5, 1939 in Bloomington, IL to John and Thelma Randel Kumler. She married James Gay June 10, 1961 at the Methodist Church in Bellflower, IL and he survives.
Barbara graduated from Bellflower High School and went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Illinois. She taught math for many years in Louisiana, MO, first at the junior high and later at the high school. Barbara also partnered with her husband in their farming operation, carefully keeping farm records and accounts.
Barbara loved reading, puzzles, and learning about new things. She was very interested in history and served as treasurer for the Pike County Historical Society for many years. She also assisted her husband with his duties as treasurer for Samuel Taylor Cemetery. She was a member of the Rockport United Methodist Church for over 30 years, playing the piano and organ, and teaching Sunday School, among other church duties.
Barbara was especially close with her sisters. The three of them loved to stay up late talking and playing Scrabble. They also went on may trips to visit extended family, research family history and visit historical sites. She and Jim enjoyed trips to Alaska and the Canadian Rockies with his siblings. Barbara was a smart, strong woman who was always patient and positive. She loved big and her family always came first.
She is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, James Gay; daughter, Lisa (Gary) Gonzini of Monticello, IL; son, David Clark (Amy) Gay of Rockport, IL; two grandchildren, Noah and Emma Gay of Rockport, IL; sister, Nancy (Jerry) Hiltibidal of LeRoy, IL; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Linda and Les Sachs of Quincy, IL; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Steve and Shirley Gay of Cornelius, NC; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, David Alan Gay in infancy; sister, Joan Stager; father-in-law and mother-in-law Joe and Eva Gay; and sister-in-law Carol Anne Gay.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 2:00 pm at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield. Interment will follow at Samuel Taylor Cemetery near Rockport. Visitation will be held prior to the service at the funeral home on Saturday from 12:30 to 2:00 pm. Memorials are suggested to be made to the Pike County Historical Society or Samuel Taylor Cemetery. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Charitable donations may be made in Barbara's memory to the following organizations:
Pike County Historical Society
Attn: Treasurer P.O. Box 44, Pittsfield, IL 62363
Samuel Taylor Cemetery
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Click the button to generate a printable document containing all condolences submitted
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Condolence Booklet
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Pat Pegram
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Posted Tue February 16, 2021
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Too all of Barb,s Family from all of her Kumler Cousins. We will miss her so much. We send our Love as we are a close group. She was always so full of information when it came to family and always fun to be around. Lots of Kumler Love, Pat and cousins
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Sharon Kay Kumler
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Posted Tue February 16, 2021
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Barbara-a very much loved and respected person among our Kumler cousins, for her loving, gentle ways.
Sharon
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Diane Brown
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Posted Tue February 16, 2021
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Sorry for your loss—many prayers for comfort and peace ,
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Ann Rupert Mordt
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Posted Tue February 16, 2021
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Jim, my sincere sympathy in loss of your wife
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Pam Wood
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Posted Tue February 16, 2021
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Robert and I were so sorry to learn of Barb's passing. She was a very sweet and good person. I enjoyed visiting with her at the fitness center. She was always friendly and kind and proud of her family. She will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Our prayers and sympathy to her family.
Robert and Pam Wood
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Rosemary (Mallinckrodt) Wintjen
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Posted Wed February 17, 2021
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So very sorry to hear of your loss. Barbara was a special lady, always upbeat and kind. She will be missed.
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Robert AndrewsWe
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Posted Wed February 17, 2021
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We are so sorry Barb has passed away. Please express our condolences to the family.
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Robert Andrews
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Posted Wed February 17, 2021
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We are so sorry Barb has passed away. Please express our condolences to the family.
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BILL L HAYES
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Posted Wed February 17, 2021
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So very sorry for the loss of Barbara. She was a lovely Lady, always with a smile and kind words. She will truly be missed by many. May she rest in God's hands.
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Cheryl Weinant
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Posted Wed February 17, 2021
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Sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
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Bob and Kathleen Dunn
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Posted Wed February 17, 2021
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We are so sorry to learn of your loss. Barbara was such a wonderful person and always so happy and friendly. Please accept our sympathy and prayers.
Bob and Kathleen Dunn
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Jay and Marsha Milligan Garrison
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Posted Wed February 17, 2021
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Mrs. Gay taught both my husband and I at Louisiana High School. She had patience beyond belief and truly wanted to help her students learn. Sending prayers for peace and strength for her family.
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Richard Heitholt
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Posted Thu February 18, 2021
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I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved wife. God be with you.
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Gary Wombles
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Posted Thu February 18, 2021
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Our prayers and condolences to your family at this time of loss
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Darwin and Lisa Feenstra
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Posted Thu February 18, 2021
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We were so sorry to hear of Barb's passing. Darwin enjoyed working with Barb on the Pike County Historical Society Board and her service as treasurer was greatly appreciated. She was a gracious and kind woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Darwin and Lisa Feenstra
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Pam (Graham) Ralls
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Posted Thu February 18, 2021
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Lisa, So sorry to learn of your mom's passing. Praying for peace and comfort for you and your family.
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Karen Ideus
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Posted Thu February 18, 2021
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So sorry for your loss. I remember first meeting Barb when Lisa was in the gifted program at Higbee. Such a lovely lady and surely missed by all of your family. With sincere sympathy-Karen (Kattelman) Ideus
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John & Leslie Kumler
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Posted Thu February 18, 2021
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As the youngest of 13 first cousins, I will always have fond memories of family gatherings and the love shared by our family. Barbara and all of the cousins carried that love into their(our) adult families and it lives on in the next generations. Deepest Sympathy to Jim and family. John & Leslie Kumler
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CINDY (SHONHART) CROWDER
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Posted Fri February 19, 2021
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Lisa,
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Love, hugs and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.
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Leslie Meyer
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Posted Fri February 19, 2021
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I am so sorry to hear of Mrs Gay's passing. She taught geometry while I was in high school. Without her help, I doubt I would have earned a passing score on the math section in the ACT! She gave up many after-school hours, tutoring me whenever I needed it, which was a lot! She was a very dedicated teacher.
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Stacey Collins Bibb
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Posted Fri February 19, 2021
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Mrs. Gay was my Geometry teacher. I went on to teach Geometry for many years-- it's still my favorite math. I am sorry to hear of her passing. She leaves a beautiful legacy for many.
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Jerel and Carole Sachs
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Posted Fri February 19, 2021
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Jim and Family - we were saddened to hear of June's passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy - Jerel and Carole Sachs
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Robert Adams
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Posted Fri February 19, 2021
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Was very helpful to me in my year of her class, ultimately became a Math Teacher myself going on year (18)! I now look back and wish I could Thank her for the tough lesson she gave to me my Sophomore year!
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Christina Penrod Ray
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Posted Fri February 19, 2021
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Mrs. Gay was a wonderful lady and an even more awesome teacher. I have great memories of her teaching Algebra I and Geometry. She was also my class sponsor (1989). I'm so very sorry for your loss.
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Susan Shortt
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Posted Fri February 19, 2021
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Our sincerest condolences to your family. Barbara was an incredibly smart and funny woman whom I feel lucky to have taught with in the early days of my career. I will miss her presence at annual Christmas parties more than I can express. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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David & Jean Hoover
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Posted Fri February 19, 2021
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Dear Jim and family,
David and I send our condolences to you. It was a shock to hear of Barbara being called to a Greater Place. May your memories help to console you til you meet again.
Sending our love,
David & Jeannie Hoover
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Gale and Janet Boren
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Posted Fri February 19, 2021
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Jim, we are so sorry for the loss of Barb. She was so pleasant and a joy to be with..Please know we have you in our thoughts as well as your children and grandchildren. May the Peace of our Lord be with you all.
Gale and Janet Boren
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Jim & Catherine Stager
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Posted Fri February 19, 2021
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We are sorry to hear of Aunt June's passing. June was a great aunt & sister. I hope you Uncle Jim, Lisa, David find solice & peace.
RIP Aunt June
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John & Julie Stager, Marla & Robin Malenfant, Jim & Catherine Stager, Audra & Willy Harder
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Posted Fri February 19, 2021
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Jim, Lisa (Gary), David (Amy),
We are so sorry for your loss. Aunt Barb will be missed by all her Canadian family.
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