Barbara L. Hoover of Paxton passed away on Thursday, November 16, at Heartland Healthcare Paxton where she had been a resident a short time.

Barbara Lee Butler was born February 19, 1927, in McDonough County, a daughter of Kenneth W. and Beulah Dark Butler. She graduated from Paris High School in 1945. On August 28, 1949 she married Donald L. Hoover. He preceded her in death on October 12, 2016.

For many years she served as Ford County Treasurer and recently as Telecare Coordinator. Barbara belonged to Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, the Paxton Service Club and the Ford County Historical Society. A longtime member of the Paxton First United Methodist Church; she especially enjoyed the annual bake sale. She liked genealogy, elevator music and all things British.

Barbara was possessed of a wicked sense of humor and it stood her in good stead in good times and bad. During the last year of her life she became a fan of Stephen Colbert and quoted "Steve" so much, one wondered if she actually knew him.


She is survived by daughters, Carol (the late Jack) Hartig of Schaumburg and Yvonne (Jeff) Meessmann of Presque Isle, Wisconsin; four grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Besides her husband of 67 years, she was preceded in death by her son, Scott Hoover, on January 15, 2017 and her younger sister, Beverly Butler Carter, in 1952.

The family would like to thank her many devoted friends and neighbors who not only drove her to the store and the doctor, but also to Arthur to buy cheese and to Dogtown for fun. Barbara liked nothing better than a ride in the country to look for deer and turkeys.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 20, 2017, at the First United Methodist Church, 210 W. Center Street, Paxton with Rev. John Hauck officiating. Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton is handling arrangements.

Visitation will be one hour before the service from 10-11 a.m. at the church.

Donations are suggested to Paxton First United Methodist Church or Smile Train, P O Box 96231, Washington, DC 20090. Expressions of sympathy for the family may be offered at www.baierfuneralservices.com.