Barbara A. Ackerman

Barbara A. Ackerman, age 88 of Orangeville, IL, passed away after a battle with Parkinson’s on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. She was born May 3, 1938 in Freeport, IL; the daughter of the late Herman and Mabel (Brubaker) Waller. Barbara married Roger Ackerman on September 16, 1955; he died on February 11, 2008.

She worked alongside her husband on their Dairy Farm. In 1975 they were the second host of the Stephenson County Farm Visitation. In 1979 they received the Conservation Farmer of the year award. From 1976 through 1985 they hosted foreign guests and world dignitaries at their farm.

Barbara was an excellent cook and was famous for her pies and holiday glazed pecans. She canned and froze foods from her garden. She also enjoyed arts, crafts, painting, drawing, sewing, bird watching and feeding. Barbara loved all animals, especially dogs.

She was a caretaker to her family and neighbors. Barbara could talk to anyone and was never afraid to speak her mind. She always had a treat for the grandkids and was her family’s biggest supporter.

Barbara is survived by her sons, Kurt (Jody) Ackerman, Scott (Kelly) Ackerman, and Thomas (Pamela) Ackerman; daughter, Peggy (Dennis) Miller; grandchildren, Nikki (husband, Ashly), Alex, Brianna, Daedra, Audra, Shellie, Denton, Zachary (fiancé, Chelsey), Jessica, Jackie, and Justina; great grandchildren, Aiden, Camren, Kellen, King, Roman, and Miah; and her brother, Kenneth (Cindy) Waller. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Roger; brothers, Emmerson Waller and Robert Waller; and sister-in-law, Erma Waller; in-laws, Donald & Doris Ackerman; and one grandson.

The funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Community Church in Peal City, IL. There will be a visitation before the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport. In Lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in her name. Condolences may be shared at www.walkermortuary.com.