Published on June 29, 2025 7:57 pm
Last Updated on June 29, 2025 7:57 pm
Barbara Lee Gillam, age 86, of Montrose, Illinois, passed away at 5:27 AM- Friday June 27, 2025, at HSHS Saint John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.
Services celebrating Barbara’s, life will be held at 11:00 AM – Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the Meyer Funeral Home, 307 East Center Street (East Illinois Route 33) Dieterich, Illinois, with Zack Trimble officiating. The burial will be in Montrose Cemetery in Montrose, Illinois. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM – Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at the funeral home. In loving memory of Barbara, memorials may be made to the Dieterich Christian Church. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.
Barbara was born on March 6, 1939, in Saint Louis County, Missouri, the daughter of William P. and Emma Elizabeth (Wilson) Breck. She graduated from Normandy High School in Saint Louis, Missouri, with the Class of 1957. On April 19, 1958, she was united in marriage to Marvin Gillam, at the Marvin Park United Methodist Church. Barbara was a long-time attendee of the Dieterich Christian Church and a former member of the Effingham County Home Extension. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, and especially sharing paper crafts and making cards with and for family and friends. Barbara was loved by many and loved many in return.
Barbara is survived by: Husband of 67 years – Marvin Gillam of Montrose, Illinois; Daughters – Mary (John) Derhake of Troy, Missouri and Barb Gillam of Saint Louis, Missouri; Grandchildren – Nichole Winslow, Allison (Chris) Holder, Jake (Niki) Derhake, Mindy (Patrick) Commean and Kara Sugar; Great Grandchildren – Bailee Winslow, T.J. Winslow, Forest Holder, Nova Derhake, Finn Derhake, Skylar Commean, and Chase Commean; Special Niece – Toni McMillion and Dear Friend – Clayton Kuhring.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, special nephew Bill Sugar, great niece Vicki Sugar and a great nephew Randy Sugar.