Obituary of Barbara Ann Gittings Frankfother

 Barbara “Barb” Ann Frankfother, age 90, of Sterling, IL, passed away peacefully at Rock River Hospice in Sterling on December 13, 2022 after a long and full life. She was preceded in death by mother Nellie Yelte Gittings, father Chalmer Gittings, stepmother Laurie Gittings, and brothers Dale and Donald Gittings.  She is survived by her loving family:  son Kevin (Maureen) Frankfother of Rock Falls, IL, daughter Kayla (Tim) Powell of Davenport, IA , son Kent Frankfother of Chicago, grandchildren Nicholas, Tegan and Jacob Frankfother, Alexis (Raven) Conger and Adrienne Talbot, and many nieces and nephews. 

   Barb’s life has been a life of service dedicated to others.

   Barb grew up in Elmwood Park, IL, graduated from Leyden High School in Franklin Park, IL, and received her teaching degree from Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL.  She taught elementary school for 30 years for Sterling Public Schools, Unit 5.  Past students of all ages would often approach Barb to express the impact she had on them at Washington School when she taught them in junior-first or kindergarten.  Remember the post office she built out of blocks every year?  She schooled generations; it wasn’t uncommon for former students to request that their own children be enrolled in Mrs. Frankfother’s class. 

   Barb loved and served her church and its community as well.  She taught Sunday school or supervised daycare every week.  She was an active member of the United Methodist Women.  She wrote newsletters, participated in prayer chains, worked the church’s food pantry, and cooked and served food for ‘Loaves and Fishes’.   

   Barb was an active member of her local PEO chapter and the Retired Teachers Association of Illinois.  She enjoyed meeting regularly to play bridge and would often host the games on her own back porch during the summer.  She loved her 5-acres out on Quinn road, and enjoyed many years looking out onto the fields from that porch. 

   Barb Frankfother, who loved and collected angels, now takes her place among them.

   Visitation will be held at the Sterling First United Methodist Church, 501 Broadway Avenue, from 10 am to 12 pm on Monday, December 19, 2022.  A private burial for family will immediately follow at Oak Knoll Cemetery, outside Sterling. Friends and family of Barb are invited for fellowship and a celebration of her life at Sterling First United Methodist Church from 12:30 to 2:30 pm that same afternoon. 

   In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.