Barbara Marie Molitoris

Barbara Marie Molitoris died at age 92 on May 24, 2025 in Springfield, a resident of Concordia Village.

Barbara was born the thirteenth child of George and Anna (Rubis) Molitoris at home in Thayer on January 6, 1933. 

She graduated from Virden High School in 1950 and received her degree in Secondary Education from Illinois State Normal College in 1954.  She then taught English in several towns including Livingston before joining the Belleville High School East faculty.  She earned a Masters of Science in librarianship from the University of Illinois in 1968 and served as the East High librarian until her retirement.  She lived in Shiloh (Belleville) and attended Zion Lutheran Church until her move to Springfield in 2021.  She then became a member of Trinity Lutheran in Auburn.

Barbara enjoyed reading, traveling and solving cryptograms.  As the youngest child she heard more of the family history from her parents than many of the older children who were grown and living away by the time she was ten. Barbara was happy to show the old photos and share what she knew about the people in them.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and siblings.  Her brothers were George, Edward, Michael, and Eugene.  Her sisters were Anna, Emma, Elisabeth, Margaret, and Pauline.  Two brothers (John and Thomas) and one sister (Mary) were deceased before she was born.  Barbara is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren.

Keeping in touch with her many family members was deeply important to Barbara. She became the central communication link for our extended family.  With love and respect we will remember her.

Visitation will be from 10am till time of services at 11am, Monday, June 2, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Auburn with Rev. Martin Kaufmann officiating. Burial will be in Auburn Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Please direct your gift to (fund or designation) in memory of Barbara Molitoris. Gifts may be made online at csl.edu/give, by phone at 800-822-5287 or by mail: Concordia Seminary, Attn. Seminary Advancement, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105.

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