Barbara Ann Duis

Barbara Ann Duis, 92, passed away July 24th 2024 at Pleasant View of Morrison IL. Barbara was born June 12, 1932 in Sterling, IL. The daughter of Ronald O’Neil and Lynwood Norman. Parental family differences in religion, Catholic and Protestant would deny Barbara of ever knowing her biological father.

During her childhood years Barbara and her mother lived in Clarkson and Louisville Kentucky. She was raised by her Mother, Step-Father George Wisenheart. Maternal grandparents William and Fannie Norman, and loving Aunts. Barbara always recalled the happy times in Kentucky. After the untimely passing of her stepfather, Barbara and her mother returned to the Whiteside County area.

In Rock Falls, IL she attended public schools and was a 1950 graduate of Rock Falls High School. After graduation Barbara took a summer job at Lawrence Park Pool where she met her future husband Frank R. Duis. The couple were married on December 1, 1951 in Sterling. Their happy union would last until the death of Frank on August 12, 2015.

Barbara who always excelled during her academic years from grade to high school, received her teaching degree from Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, when in her mid forties. She taught grade school for several years, first at Thome School, and finishing at Merrill School in Rock Falls in 1992. During her teaching career she was respected and achieved many award’s priding herself to give all her students the best education possible.

In Barbara’s retirement years she enjoyed being a homebody, she liked to maintain her flower garden and adored her many cats from early to later years. Barbara was a great wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Barbara is survived by her two sons Jim (Maria) Duis, Joe (Becky) Duis; granddaughter Natalie Duis; great-grand-daughters Quinn and Kenna Amesquita; Bonnie Dunn a maternal cousin, and several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchilren.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Frank; her parents; step father’s George Wiseheart, Gordon Neely, and Wallace Janssen, who adopted Barbara in later life. The kindness of Barbara’s many Aunts will always be remembered.

A private graveside service will take place at Riverside Cemetery.

A memorial has been established to Beacon of Hope Hospice 1020 West 35th Street Davenport, IA 52806 or Happy Tails Animal Shelter 1408 McNeil Road Rock Falls, IL 61071

Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com