Barbara A. Shippy

Barbara Ann (Gehlhausen) Shippy, 87, formerly of Davis, IL, passed away at Winn-Prairie in Freeport, IL on February 28, 2026, after a prolonged illness. Barbara left behind a legacy of love and service to others.

Born on April 26, 1938, to Otto and Clara (Conner) Gehlhausen, she grew up in Rockford, IL. Barbara attended St. Edward school and was a graduate of Bishop Muldoon Catholic High School, Class of 1955. After graduation, she worked for Illinois Bell Phone Company until marrying Donald L. Shippy from Davis, IL on February 23, 1957. This began a 62-year partnership defined by their strong faith and love of family.

Barbara loved her family and was most proud of her children and grandchildren. She was a natural caregiver and the heart of her home. A dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, she poured her love into creating a warm and welcoming environment. Barbara and her husband were foster parents and opened their home to many children over the years. She was known for her cooking skills and was someone you could talk with for hours, making her home a gathering place for both extended family and her children’s friends. All were welcome there.

Her spirit of generosity extended well beyond her family. Barbara was an active member of the Davis community. She was a passionate volunteer, dedicating her time to the Dakota School District, St. Mary/St. Patrick Catholic Church, Durand Ecumenical Council, Hospice, and Rock River Valley Blood Center. Whether she was teaching CCD classes, attending PTO meetings, working at a blood drive, or helping at a funeral dinner, her selfless, servant heart was always on full display.

She had strength and depth of character that few could match. Regardless of the challenge to be faced, she remained steadfast in her faith and was resilient even in the most trying of circumstances. Her children will always remember her as their most ardent supporter, devoted confidant, and a constant source of wisdom. She was an example to us all: the heart and rock of her family. Words cannot express the loss her passing leaves.

She is survived by her sisters-in-law, Mary E. Shippy and Mary (Dennis) Shippy; her beloved children, Thomas (Michele) Shippy, David (Barbara) Shippy, Donald L (Donna) Shippy Jr., William Shippy, Cherie Shippy (Trish), Catherine (James) Horst; and her precious grandchildren, Lauren (Jorge), John, Michael (Sydney), Kristina (Jen), Sarah, James (Katie), Autumn (Cody, Krissy, JJ), Joseph, Tyler, Alexandra, Elizabeth, and Andrew. As well as her great grandson, Leo, soon to be great-granddaughter and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Donald, her parents, her mother and father-in-law, her brother, Ralph Gehlhausen, her sister, Carol Marie (Ronald) Jensen, her brothers-in-law, Leland Shippy, Jr., James “Jack” Shippy, Eugene Shippy, Dennis Shippy, Ronald Jensen, her sisters-in-law, Beatrice (Leland) Shippy, and Beth (Eugene) Shippy.

Barbara’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of The Meadows at Winn-Prairie and Sanctuary Hospice for the exceptional care and genuine compassion and empathy with which they cared for Barbara.

There will be a visitation starting at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, March 14, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 5333 N. Irish Grove Road, Davis, IL 61019. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place immediately following the visitation at 10:30 am. Burial in St. Patrick Irish Grove Cemetery.In honor of her generous spirit, donations may be made to Sanctuary Hospice and St. Patrick Irish Grove Cemetery. Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com