Deloris Joy Barber, 87, of Springfield, passed away on Monday, December 16, 2024 at Regency Care in Springfield, IL.

Deloris was born in Rochester, IL. on November 25, 1937, the daughter of John and Lillie (Rhodes) Walter. She married Albertus "Bert" Barber on October 20, 1990. They were married 31 years until Bert's passing in 2022.

Deloris was a graduate of Rochester High School, class of 1956. She worked for Ideal Creamery for 1 year and Davies Insurance Agency for a short time, before beginning a 31 year career at Illinois Bell Telephone Company, Ameritech, SBC and AT&T. She was an avid bowler for many years, bowling in women's classic leagues as well as couples leagues. Deloris placed third in (or around the town) Women's City Tournament. She went to many WIBC Tournaments and accumulated several trophies.

She enjoyed traveling with her friends and family. She and Bert spent many years in Florida for 1-2 months in the winter. That is where she and Bert learned to play Mexican Train, and loved playing it for years with their friends and family. They had family and friends come to stay with them and took many trips. She enjoyed taking her nieces and nephews on several vacations and cruises and taking them to the State Fair, playing miniature golf, and weekend swimming trips. She was the happiest with family gatherings.

One of her best attributes was taking care of others. She was always there for everyone. She loved buying clothes, gifts and treats for others.

Deloris is preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Lester J. Walter and William C. (Shaun) Walter; four sisters, Dorothy M. (Norman) Perrine, Ruth M. (William) Green, Barbara Belk, and infant Evelyn Walter.

She is survived by her brother Richard (Joan) Walter, one sister, Ellen S. (Gary) Ahrens; two stepdaughters, Claudette (Donald) Garber and Gwen Gotkowski; step grandchildren, Jennifer Garber, Justin (Shannon) Gotkowski, and Blake (Danielle) Gotkowski; five step great grandchildren, Jayson, Jack, Joshua, Liliana and Westin as well as several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 21, from 10:00AM until the time of the funeral service at 11:00AM at Wilson Park Funeral Home, 200 E. Main St. in Rochester. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Buckhart.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Foundation or Telephone Pioneers in Denver, Colorado.

Wilson Park Funeral Home in Rochester is in charge of arrangements.