Barbara Jean Davis (82)

On October 9, 2023, Barbara made a peaceful exit, surrounded by the love she had nurtured all her life.  Barbara was born November 26, 1940, to William Everett Shehorn (1919-2001) and Claudie Irene (Smith) Shehorn (1923-2018) in Fairfield, Illinois where she lived with her family until she graduated from High School and the family moved to Marseilles IL.  Barbara was the oldest of 4 children who had a very strong sibling bond.  Barbara leaves behind her brother, Donald Shehorn of Dixon IL and her sister, Susan (Kevin) Stach also of Dixon IL.  Barbara was predeceased by her brother, Larry Shehorn (in 2004) and his wife Karen (also 2004) of Marseilles, IL.  Barbara also leaves behind three grandchildren, Eddie Boback of Peru IL, Jacob (Tracey) Boback of Yuma AZ and Jessica (Kevin) Maloney of Dyer IN and eight great-grandchildren.

After moving to Marseilles in 1958, Barbara met and Married Edward Waters (1940 - 2016) and they were married 26 years.  Barbara and Edward moved to a home on the South Side of Ottawa where Barbara spent the next 60 years.  They had two daughters who survived her, Janice (Clifford) Boback of Buckingham, IL and Lori Waters of Ottawa.  Barbara spent those early years as a homemaker, she was an exceptional wife, mother, daughter, and a great friend to so many. Barbara kept a neat and tidy home, loved to bake and always took pride in her appearance.  It did not matter if she was going to the grocery store, for a walk or to a dinner party, she was put together with style.  She was beautiful, kind, selfless, cool, smart, funny and tough all at the same time.   She was a voracious reader, and a well-known walker around Ottawa as well as a lifelong volunteer and charity worker.  Barbara gave countless hours to her children's schools, the neighborhood nursing home, elderly neighbors, Easter Seals, community projects, and friends running for local office.

After her children were grown Barbara went to work at Pleasant View nursing home working in the employee cafeteria until she retired.  She loved her job and enjoyed wearing handmade aprons, and at times costumes, to depict the different holidays and celebrations.  Barbara always found a reason to be festive and celebrate.  She dressed up as Mrs. Clause every year at the nursing home and had so many wonderful Halloween costumes.  Barbara did all she could to make the employees and residents of PVL smile.

In 1986 She met the love of her life, Walter Davis (1941-2020) and their friendship blossomed into a love that would last a lifetime.  Barbara and Walter married in 1998.  They spent the happiest years of their lives together enjoying every moment doing simple things like visiting with a melded family which now included Walter's two children Lisa Davis of Moline IL and David (Pam) Davis of DePue, IL.  They loved to work in their flower garden, take long walks, dance and hike Starved Rock and together they continued to volunteer their time to those in need.

When Barbara's health began to fade Walter filled her life with the joy of his companionship.  He was a tireless caretaker who made it appear like there was nothing he would rather be doing.  One by one the memories of a beautiful life disappeared from Barbara's memory, but she continued to love smiles and hugs from those around her.  Unfortunately, Walter put his own health and needs aside for Barbara and passed away in August of 2020 leaving Barbara who was in the late stages of Alzheimer's.  These last few years of Barbara's life were a struggle as the ugly grip of the disease took a strong hold.

Daughter Lori was her main caretaker even after she went into the La Salle County Nursing Home for the expert and round-the-clock care she required.  Barbara spent her days walking around and around the nursing home, holding hands, giving hugs, and welcoming the warm smiles that she encountered in every hallway.  We believe that on Monday when she passed, Walter was waiting for Barbara holding the door open for her as she entered, and we smile when we think that she has finally reunited with the love of her life.

There is so much more that should be said, but what Barbara did was make our world brighter and our lives were so much better with her in it!  She will be remembered as a brave warrior who had so much courage.  You are missed and so deserve to Rest In Peace.  Per Barbara's wishes there will be no memorial service but a simple celebration of life with immediate family.

The family would like to thank the La Salle County Nursing Home staff for caring for Barbara, our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, during her stay.  She was cared for and loved and treated with respect and dignity and it is with great appreciation that you made us feel like you loved her too.  Thank you for letting her live out her final days of a life well lived.