Obituary of Barbara Applen

CHILLICOTHE-Barbara A. Applen, 66, of Chillicothe passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018 at Barnes Jewish Hospital. She was born on Dec. 29, 1951 in Urbana the daughter of Robert H. and Virginia M. (Mayer) Lewis. She married Robert Applen on Dec. 29, 1973 in Champaign at the St. Peter's United Church of Christ. Surviving are her children, Brad (Jason) Applen of Rutland, Brian Applen of Peoria and Beth Applen of Chillicothe; seven grandchildren, William, Evan, Karissa, Logan, Liam, Landon and Avery; and one sister, Debbie (Robert) Edgren of Oregon, WI. She was preceded in death by her and her husband’s parents. Barbara was a teacher for 35 years, working and retiring from Peoria School District 150. During that time, she earned her Master’s Degree in School Administration while being a supermom at home. While teaching she was a Student Council Sponsor for Rolling Acres School. She never went into school administration because she loved working in the classroom with the students. Barbara loved watching anything and being apart of things with her grandkids. Barbara was a member of the Prospect United Methodist Church in Dunlap where she was Youth Group sponsor for junior high kids. She also served on various committees though out the church. Her favorite service was working in the food pantry. She really enjoyed baking around Christmas time so that she could send lots of goodies with her husband and kids to work or school. She was an excellent seamstress winning a 4H contest at the state fair when she was in high school which is where she won a sewing machine. She used those skills to make costumes for her kids, alterations for family and friends, and even made bridesmaids dresses for her son’s wedding. Funeral service will be held on Friday, Oct. 25, 2018 at 10:00 am at the Prospect United Methodist Church in Dunlap. A visitation will be held on Thursday evening from 5-7:00 pm and one hour prior to the service time on Friday at her church. Cremation rites will follow with a family graveside service at Chillicothe City Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to her church, Prospect United Methodist Church in Dunlap. Barbara's online memorial website may be viewed at www.weberhurdfuneralhome.com http://www.weberhurdfuneralhome.com