Barbara A. Leonard, age 72 of Carlyle, passed away at Memorial Hospital in Shiloh, Illinois on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
Barb was born in Breese, Illinois on January 1, 1954, a daughter of the late Charles A. and Mary L. (nee Kohrs) Lawler. She married William D. Leonard in Carlyle on June 24, 1977, and he survives in Carlyle.
In addition to her husband Bill, Barb is also survived by her son, Tim (Angie) Leonard; her daughter, Cassie (Cody) Smith; her adoring grandchildren, Katelynn, Abby, Jonathon, Landon, Edison, and Eloise; her sister, Linda (Jim) Roszyk; a brother, Jeff Lawler; her in-laws, Richard (Betty) Leonard and Kim Scholz; and several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her in-laws, Georgia (Jerry) Clerkin and Gary Scholz.
Barb worked at the Hi-De-Ho Restaurant in Carlyle before spending many years as a school bus driver for Carlyle Schools. She always looked forward to traveling and spending time with family and also enjoyed crocheting and reading. Barb was an excellent cook and baker, who loved sharing meals and desserts with others. She also had an impressive collection of angels and snowmen. Above all, Barb cherished her grandchildren and loved spending time with her family.
No public funeral services will be held. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mrs. Leonard are suggested to the CCSI (Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois) Foundation and will be received through Zieren Funeral Home, 1111 Clinton St. Carlyle, IL 62231, or at https://cancercarespecialists.org/ccsi-foundation/. Online condolences can be shared by visiting www.ZierenFuneralHome.com.
