Barbara R. Jones, age 85, of Shorewood, Illinois, passed away on May 20, 2026. She was born on February 24, 1941 in Charles City, Iowa to Herbert and Thelma Johnson. Barb graduated from Charles City High School. Her college degree was from the University of Northern Iowa and masters from DePaul University. She completed her teaching career in the Chicago Public Schools system, teaching English and ESL (English-as-a-second-language) in grades 7-12 and adult education. She will be remembered for her love of music which included singing with church choirs, community choruses, performances such as Damuco (dance-music-comedy) and The Mikado in high school, and family hymn sings.

Barb was a life-long United Methodist, growing up in the West Saint Charles United Methodist Church. Her current membership is in Grace United Methodist Church in Joliet, Illinois. She is survived by son Mark (Dana) Jones, former owner of Shorewood Oil and Lube, granddaughter Krystal Jones, grandson Mark Jones; siblings Beverly (Harold) Biehr, Erwin (Yoshiko) Johnson, Cynthia (John) Schnekloth, five cousins, seven nieces and nephews, and fourteen grandnieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on June 13, 2026 at 10:00am with visitation and service at 11:00am at Grace United Methodist Church, 1718 Avalon Avenue, Joliet, Illinois 60435. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Riverside Cemetery in Charles City, Iowa. Arrangements entrusted to Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, memorial gifts may be made to Grace United Methodist Church.