Barbara Sue (Lecher) Utterback was born August 26, 1944 to Mary M. (Kleiss) and George B. Lecher on the family farm north of Tuscola. She had two brothers, Dave Lecher and the late Phillip Lecher. Barb passed away peacefully January 21, 2026 at Haven of Tuscola surrounded by her loving family. 

After marrying Bob Utterback on November 2, 1963 at Forty Martyrs Catholic Church, they hopped in their Corvette and moved to California. Together they had three daughters: Bobbi (John) Rairden, Amy (Brian) McDonald, and Nichole (Jay) Sheckles. Six grandchildren: Travis (Rylynn) Dallas, Sydney (Kenny) Abernathy, Riley (Evan) Meiner, Tierney McDonald, Mason McDonald, and Keller McDonald. She also left behind great-grandchildren: Adeline Abernathy, Rowan Abernathy, Lena Meiner, Jack Meiner, Dallas twins due in February, and many special nieces and nephews. 

Barb was a 1962 graduate of Tuscola Community High School where she served as homecoming queen and was years later inducted into the school’s hall of fame. Serving as a grand marshal of the homecoming parade, of course riding and waving from a Corvette, was a fun honor. Later she served on the TCHS Alumni Association board and was even awarded Tuscolian of the Year for her exceptional work in community social work and volunteerism. 

Through the years Barb wore many hats in the community including president of the library board, member of Tuscola Women’s Club and Beta Sigma Phi, coordinator of the bike-a-thon for Cystic Fibrosis, president of TOPS, activity director at We Care in Arcola, and was the owner of Barb’s Books. As members of the Corvette Club of Illinois, Bob and Barb put many miles on their Corvette traveling the United States. 

The biggest impact she made was as co-founder and executive director of BETHS (Because Eventually The Healing Starts) Place, the only domestic violence shelter in Douglas County. For years she educated the community, created resources, and empowered victims of domestic abuse. Barb spent hours teaching dozens of classes certifying advocates who helped run and man the shelter. She admitted God was the true CEO of the organization. 

The family wishes to thank the exceptional workers at Carriage Crossing of Arcola, Haven of Tuscola, and Transitions Hospice for guidance and care during her/their journey with Alzheimer’s disease. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to PJ’s Place, 1263 E CR 700 N, Tuscola, IL 61953 or RISE Behavioral Health, 114 W. Houghton Street, Tuscola, IL 61953.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, January 26, 2026 at the Forty Martyrs Catholic Church, 201 East Van Allen Street, Tuscola, IL. Burial will be in the Tuscola Township Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., Monday at the Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main Street, Tuscola, IL

Online condolences may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com