Beverly (Sterling) Oitker

Beverly (Sterling) Oitker, age 89, of Barry, IL passed away Thursday, January 22, 2026 at the Barry Healthcare and Senior Living Center in Barry, IL.  She was born on August 16, 1936, in Tuscola, IL, to Melvin and Clella (Storm) Sterling.  She married Ronald K. Oitker on September 5, 1954 in Barry, IL and he preceded her in death on November 24, 2011.

Beverly was a 1954 graduate of Barry High School.  She then married Ron, her high school sweetheart and started her family.  She taught piano for 40+ years and had over 400 students. She and Ron operated Gamble’s Hardware Store for 50 years where she kept the books as well.

Beverly was a member of Barry United Methodist Church, often playing piano for church services. She was active in her children’s activities and in the community- serving the PTA, community chorus, fire department, UMW, Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts to name a few.

Along with music, Bev loved to cook and often took food to those in need or bereavement.  She had a special love for her Lhasa Apso dogs, Sparky, Sugar, Chopin, and Stormy.  She and Ron loved camping and travelling in their motor home- taking vacations with their great friends, Clyde and Nancy Snyder, often camping at Jensen Woods in Timewell, IL. Beverly also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, crafting, and candle making. 

She is survived by; son, Bruce (Edith) Oitker of Quincy, IL; daughter, Deb (Dave Bettis) Landacre of Barry, IL; grandchildren, Becky (Jeremy) Walston, Lori (Tom) Predmore, Randall (Crystal Hall) Oitker, and Brian (Ginny) Oitker; stepchildren, David (Kim) Bettis, and Dennis (Alison) Bettis; 14 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; nieces, Annette (Jim) McLaughlin and Megan (Mike) McQueen; a nephew, Shawn (Vicki) Shumard; and a great niece and great nephews; and special friend, Deb Tripp.

She was preceded in death by; her parents, Melvin and Clella Sterling; husband Ron; and sister, Diane Shumard.

 A funeral service will be held Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 11:00 am at Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, IL.  A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 am. Interment to follow the service at Parklawn Cemetery.   Memorials are suggested to Barry United Methodist Church or Barry Fire Department.  Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com.  Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, IL is handling the arrangements.

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