Barbara Joan Phillips, 85, of Freeport, passed away on October 31, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Barbara was born on July 25, 1940, in Kewanne, IL, to George Steimle III and Helen (Sullivan) Steimle. She grew up in Freeport and graduated from Freeport High School in 1958.

In her younger years, she was a league bowler and went to several state championships, and she enjoyed traveling. She worked at Micro Switch/Honeywell until her retirement. She was an avid reader, enjoyed keeping to her routine, spending time with family, and celebrating Halloween and Christmas. She was still waiting for the Minnesota Vikings to win a Super Bowl and was a fearless St. Louis Cardinals fan despite most of her family being rabid Cubs fans.

Barbara is survived by her love of over fifty years Harry Phillips of Freeport, IL; daughters Vicki (Jay) Rouzan of Greenfield, WI, and Penny (Ron) Brant of Monroe, WI; son Jim Phillips (Tracy Mays) of Freeport, IL; three granddaughters, Carrie Knutti (Ryan Baal) of Freeport, IL, Stephanie Roberts of Rockton, IL, and Amy Houston of Forreston, IL; three grandsons, Adam (Beth) Brant of Freeport, IL, Jason (Leah) Brant of Dubuque, IA, and Shawn Brant of Monroe, WI; twelve great-grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren. Additionally, she is survived by her sisters Frances Sanford of Auburn, New York and Kay (Kelly) Kleckler of Phoenix, AZ; and nephews Kristopher Warren of Phoenix, AZ, and Charles Steimle and John Steimle of Washington.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother George Steimle IV, brother-in-law Carl Sanford, sister-in-law Doris Steimle, son-in-law Ron Brant, and great-grandson Alexander Kerr.

Cremation rites have been accorded, and there will be private family services held at a later date. Her final resting place will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. A memorial has been established. Condolences may be shared at www.walkermortuary.com.