Barbara J. Dauphin

Barbara J. Dauphin, age 87, of Savanna, IL, passed away Sunday, October 23, 2022 at MercyOne Hospital in Clinton, IA. A funeral service will be held Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 10 a.m. at New Hope Fellowship Church, in Savanna, IL. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Law Jones Funeral Home, in Savanna, as well as at the church on Thursday, one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to New Hope Fellowship Church.

Barbara was born May 12, 1935 in Beardstown, IL, the daughter of Fritz and Ruby (Lyons) Frank. By the age of seven, Barbara had tragically lost both of her parents and was taken in and raised by Reverend Blanche Abney, and at that time, acquired a brother of her heart, Gary Abney.

Barbara attended Savanna Schools, and on August 26, 1951, married Julius Jr. Dauphin in Savanna. Barbara and Julius worked their family farm together until Julius’ untimely passing in 1997. Barbara, never afraid of a hard day’s work, then continued farming with her son for many years, finally retiring in 2012. She was elected to the Carroll County Soil and Water Conservation Board and was the first woman in Carroll County elected to serve as Chairperson.

Throughout her life, Barbara placed family and faith above all else. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and was ever-active in her church, where she taught Sunday school and led song service for many years. If there was something happening in the church, you could be sure that Barbara was eager to help.

Barbara would often cook for friends and family and was an excellent seamstress. She loved travelling with her husband, and later in life, her daughters. She also had a fondness of music. In her younger years she sang professionally, with her brother, Gary Abney, and other local musicians. Barbara will be dearly missed by many for her many talents and kind heart.

Barbara is survived by her children, Deborah Franks, of Birchwood, WI, Jule (Joni) Dauphin, of Mt. Carroll, and Rebecca Dauphin, of Savanna; six grandchildren, Joette (Scott) Friess, of Cumberland, WI, Trina (Aaron) Hilke, of Hudson, WI, Jennifer (David) Brugger, of Dalton, WI, James Dauphin, of Savanna, Robbie (Dami) Dauphin, of Stillman Valley, IL, Douglas (Amy) Dauphin, of Ridott, IL; 12 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and siblings, Allen Frank, of San Francisco, CA and Gary Abney, of Thomson, IL.

Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, Julius; parents, Fritz and Ruby; son, Robert Dauphin; daughter Blanche Marie; granddaughter, Laura Dauphin; and four siblings.