Barbara J. Jeffers was born Monday, September 15, 1941.
The daughter of Leonard and Regina Schimke, and younger sister of Lennie and Johnny. Barbara passed away at the age of 78 on Friday, July 3, 2020 shortly after discovering she had cancer. She grew up and lived in New London for most of her life and worked at the New London Hospital 29 years until her retirement. As a little girl she loved animals, especially dogs and music, playing both the clarinet and piano. Barbara married our dad, Delton Jeffers shortly after graduating from New London High School. Dad’s work took them to Milwaukee where they soon started a family, as Mom would say “her 5 beautiful girls”! Her love of music always filled our house, whether it be playing Christmas music on her piano or her love of Rock and roll, especially Elvis, Barry White and the Four Seasons. She enjoyed counted cross stitching, knitting, croqueting, and sewing. Mom was a very good seamstress, creating new dresses for us to wear Christmas and Easter, along with a matching one for herself and a button up shirt for dad. Mom was always working on special handmade projects such as scarfs, hats and mittens along with washcloths of many shapes and colors. Sometimes she would have multiple projects going at the same time and couldn’t wait to share them with us. She crafted beautiful framed cross-stitched art which we proudly display throughout our homes. Barbara was a devoted Christian with St Patrick’s parish. She loved being involved with her parish family in Lebanon. Mom enjoyed the outdoors; she loved to bow hunt, fish, watch the birds. She always had something to say about the darn squirrels eating her bird seed and with a bit of creativity added a slinky to the bottom of her feeders which brought us many laughs. She loved the warmth of the sun on her face and the breeze blowing thru the house. Her favorite bird was the bluebird which will be forever memorialized on her tombstone. When asked why the blue bird mom said, “Blue birds bring happiness and pleasure, and I always look forward to their return in the Spring.” Because of her love of animals, we always had a pet in the family, Cookie, Fluffy, and Daisy. Mom’s companion Angel, much beloved dog of 15 plus years is pictured in her casket and will accompany her to place of rest. Mom enjoyed watching her great-grandchildren play basketball, volleyball, baseball and never missed a music or band concert. She enjoyed bowling, was an avid horseshoe thrower, and enjoyed a good game of Sheepshead. Treasuring the many friends, she made along the way.
Barbara is survived by her daughters: Patty Pantaloons, Barbara (Edward) Chizek, Laurie Jeffers, Theresa (Greg) Thayer and Jenny (Al) Hansen; 12 grandchildren: Angie, Andrew, Anthony Pantalons, Amanda (Eric) Lynk, Elizabeth (Jason) Brunkey, Bill (Barbara) Chizek, Ryan and Ben Schinke, Scott (Gina) Thayer, Sarah (Dave) Williams, Coralee and Colton Hansen; as well a 15 great-grandchildren and her doggie April. Barb is preceded in death by her parents, and brothers, Leonard (Ruth) Schimke, and John (Ruth) Schimke, and a son-in-law Janis Pantalons.
The funeral for Barbara will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2020 at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Lebanon. Interment will be in Most Precious Blood Cemetery. A time of visitation will take place on Thursday from 9 a.m. until the time of mass.
Our family wishes to extend a warm thank you to all friends and relatives for the love and support given to our Mom. We would also like to thank the many care providers especially Dr. Razor’s team, Theda in Home care providers Sarah, Chris, and Nicki, and our sister Theresa and her husband Greg for their unconditional love, time, countless hours and only the very best care family can provide.
Mom, I got to see your heart not only from the inside before I was born, but the outside too. We love you Mom more than words could ever say, you will be forever in our hearts.