Barbara J. Denault, 82, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister passed away peacefully on February 27, 2025, at Carriage Crossing Senior Living in Bloomington, IL where she resided since 2020.
Visitation will be at St. Joseph Church, Bradley, on Thursday, March 6, from 9:30 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Funeral Mass.
Barbara was the third of five daughters born to Clarence and Antoinette (Toni) Wilkins in Bradley, IL on April 13, 1942. She attended school and Mass at St. Joseph Church in Bradley, IL which shaped the faith she lived. She later instilled her faith in her children and shared it with others through her kindness and hugs.
Despite an appreciation for fine clothes, enjoyment for the Bradley-way-of-life, and cruising the square in her ’57 Chevy, she fell in love with and married Ivan Denault, a farmer from Herscher, IL, on July 6, 1963, at her home church. She prided herself on learning to drive the tractors and being able to contribute to the family farm operation and proving every day to her dad that she could indeed be a farmer’s wife. Ivan and Barb often said that the best years of their lives were working in the fields together.
As a mother, she was always there for her children. She was a hard worker and lived selflessly, putting the needs of her family before her own. She set an example for her children by starting the day early to accomplish as much as possible. While working, she usually had classic country western or pop music of the 50’s and 60’s playing. She did not allow the television to be on during the day. Doing so instantly translated to an assignment to clean the house, work in the garden, or tend to the livestock. On Sundays, she ensured that her children attended Mass and learned their prayers. In the evenings she knelt with them to pray prior to bed. When her children left the farm for college and work, she lovingly helped them begin their journeys. When they married, she welcomed their spouses and served as a great example of a mother-in-law.
As a grandmother, she was the perfect source of reassurance and comfort. She loved rocking babies while humming Red River Valley. Her kitchen was filled with love and the best home-cooked meals, especially her fried chicken and homemade dumplings. After dinner, she expected everyone to help with the dishes, and in her spirit of keeping everyone busy, she led everyone on a walk down the road or through the fields.
As Alzheimer’s began to affect her memory, she continued her life of faith and served as an example of grace. She made many close friends with the residents and staff of Carriage Crossing. She participated and led many of the activities and encouraged other residents when they were down or hurting. She seldom complained of her own situation and strived to be a comfort to others in need. Her reprieve was going out to the Garden of Paradise of Bloomington on Saturday mornings for pecan waffles, whipped cream, and bacon where she was affectionally known as “Mama” by the owners and staff.
Barbara is survived by her children Denise (Jim) Baker, Steve (Christel) Denault, Chris (Susan) Denault, Marcia (Mike) Grabow, 11 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and 3 sisters: Patricia McLean, Nancy Witthoft, and Claudia Wilkins. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers-in-law, and sister Margaret (Margie) Wilkins.
Barbara was a lifelong blood donor to the American Red Cross. Donations may be made to the American Red Cross or to Carriage Crossing of Bloomington.
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