Barbara I. Elliott

Barbara I. Elliott, 88, of Kewanee, died at 6:45 p.m., Thursday, September 12, 2024, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

Cremation has been accorded and private graveside services will be held at Lehigh Cemetery in Elmwood. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Bradford American Legion Post #445 on Saturday, September 21, 2024. Memorials may be directed to the Bradford American Legion Post #445.

She was born September 23, 1935 on Center Prairie in Knox County, the daughter of Dale Catton and Nina Cain Meehan. She and her family moved to Elmwood Township in 1938, where she attended a country school, Moore School for eight years and graduated from Elmwood High School in 1953. She married Richard D. Elliott on June 8, 1977, in Macomb. He preceded her in death on November 10, 2011. Surviving is her five children Debbie Koelling and (Jeff McDonald) of Kewanee, IL, sons; Dale (Linda) Cecil of Rockwall, TX, Pat (Mia) Cecil of Rowlett, TX and Mike (Anita) Cecil of Kewanee, IL and stepson Ron Elliott of Bradford, IL. Also surviving are a stepdaughter-in-law Dianna Elliott of Bradford, IL, nine grandkids, sixteen great grandkids, two great-great grandkids and a brother Donnie Meehan of Elmwood, IL. She was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, a great grandson Austin Lee Porter, and a brother Dick Meehan.

Barbara started working in the food business when she was 16 years old and continued for 55 more years. She was president of the Bradford American Legion Auxiliary Post #445 for 25 years having served as 16th District President. She was also a member of the Kewanee VFW Auxiliary Post #8078, a member of Daughters of American Revolution (was regent for 2 years), a member of the Osceola Research Club, attended the Elmira Presbyterian Church, and was one of the original Bradford Saddle Tramps which she and her husband helped organize. She dedicated many years of her life working with the veterans, especially the homeless veterans. Barbara was also a 10-year cancer survivor.

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