Barb was born on November 15, 1961, to Richard and Karen Greening in Sterling, IL. She grew up in Como and attended Sterling High School. Throughout her life, Barb was known for her smile, kindness, free spirit, and fierce love and loyalty.
Barb’s greatest joy was her family. She was the mother of Jessica, Jaime, and Josh and the proud Gammie of Ethan, Kaylee, Brody, Jaxon, Abby, Jaythan, Korbin, Kyanna, and Chance. She loved camping every summer, attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and activities, and spending time with family and friends.
Barb faced her recent illness with strength and courage. Although her diagnosis and decline came much faster than anyone expected, her family is grateful that she is now at peace and no longer in pain.
She is survived by her children, Jessica (Chris) Patterson, Jaime (Tim) Smith, and Josh Leal (Janie Fisher); her grandchildren, Ethan Harrington, Kaylee Moeller, Brody Harrington, Jaxon Leal, Abigail Harrington, Jaythan Leal, Korbin Leal, KyAnna Leal, and Chance Patterson; her siblings, Diana (Mike) Walters, Donna (Dave) McDonald, and Stacey Greening; and many extended family members and friends who loved her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A gathering will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 pm on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at McDonald Funeral Home, Fulton, IL. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Erie Campground. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family
Barb will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her family will carry her memory forward in the stories they tell, the lessons she taught, and the love she gave.
