Barbara B. Anderson

Barbara B. Anderson died peacefully on October 28, 2025 at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice in Bettendorf, IA. Just a few weeks earlier she had enjoyed a family celebration of her 99th birthday.

Barbara was born in Iowa City, IA on October 6, 1926 to Harry Bollman and Dorothy (Stitt) Bollman and was raised on farms; first near Viola, IL and then in Rural Township (Coal Valley, IL). She graduated from Orion High School and attended Augustana College. She worked at International Harvester in East Moline until marrying Robert L. Anderson from the neighboring farm. Their first date was on Pearl Harbor Day. They married at Beulah Presbyterian Church in 1945 soon after Bob was released from a German prison camp. As an Air Force wife she lived in various states, until returning to his family farm in 1953.

As a farm wife, Barbara was active in Rock Island County Home Extension and Farm Bureau, as well as Beulah Church. Raising five children kept her involved in Orion P.T.A. for many years. Once the older children left home, she got her real estate license and served on the Rock Island County Board of Review.

After retirement, she and Bob enjoyed being snowbirds in Florida for multiple winters. She stayed active by joining the Rock Island Historical and Genealogy Societies, and taking aquatic classes at Black Hawk College. After Bob died in 2007, her life revolved around church and family.

Caregiving was her gift to others. Much of her married life was devoted to caring for her husband with Multiple Sclerosis. After his death, she helped care for other family members. Well into her 80’s she served as a church deacon visiting the sick and “the elderly”. Her last five years were spent at New Perspective in Silvis, IL where she made many friends. Barbara loved people and as a result, her children often heard the phrase “We just love your mom!’

Her legacy is a large close-knit family. As the matriarch she enjoyed hosting family gatherings. She became a second mother to her daughter-in-law, her sons-in-law, and grandsons-in-law. “Grammy Barbara” loved to take trips, sometimes as far as Colorado and California, to visit her grandchildren, and she was delighted with her great grandchildren. Even as her health failed, she remained connected to family by phone.

Barbara is survived by four children: Cheryl (Kent) Yauch of Elmhurst, IL, Linda (Albert) Jovanovic of Grayslake, IL, Tim (Daisy) Anderson of Coal Valley, IL, and Adele (Kirby) Corrick of Burlington, IA. Survivors include eight grandchildren: Lauren Yauch, Sandra (Lawrence) Benedetto, David (Amanda) Jovanovic, Andrea (Matt) Kuenker, Jennifer (Eric Baker) Anderson, Estefany (David Battiste) Anderson, Alexis Coulter, and Jessica Coulter. Seven great-grandchildren: Kate and Juliet Jovanovic, Louisa Benedetto, Aaron and Anna Kuenker, Eleanor Baker, and Liam Battiste.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert L. Anderson; brother, Dean Bollman; and son, Paul Anderson.

A private interment by Esterdahl Mortuary was led by Dr. Reverend Andrew McDonald in Rural Township Cemetery on November 1.

There will be an opportunity to celebrate her amazing life at a Memorial Service on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at Beulah Presbyterian Church. The service will take place at 2:00 p.m. and be followed by an opportunity for fellowship and refreshments.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be sent to Beulah Presbyterian Church (9221 148th Ave, Orion, IL 61273), or the Multiple Sclerosis Assoc. of America (PO Box 96022, Washington D.C.20090), or Clarissa Cook Hospice (254 Tech Drive, Bettendorf, IA 52722).

Memories may be shared at esterdahl.com