Barbara “Barb” Jo (Dutko) Lilley, age 77, of Granite City, IL, passed away on Friday, January 5, 2024 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Chesterfield, MO. Barb was born on June 1, 1946 in Oakland, CA, a daughter of the late Kelly and Shirley (Thomas) Dutko.
Barb was passionate about her family and friends. She loved to gather people at her home and make them feel like family. Her home was always full of love, laughter and delicious food. Barb was both a party planner … and the life of the party. Her arrival in Heaven was full of joy and fanfare – most likely planned by her.
Barb loved to travel with Jerry. Together, they saw all 50 states and dozens of countries. She especially loved Hawaii and never passed up the opportunity to walk on a beach. Her Florida home was a special place and she made so many new friends there. Barb also enjoyed her time at the Lake of the Ozarks and owned a condo there for nearly 30 years.
Barb was very active with her church and the Knights of Columbus. She worked tirelessly to raise money for Lupus research. Barb enjoyed St. Louis Rams football as a season ticketholder and the St. Louis Cardinals also were at the top of her list. Barb was a Human Resource Director in the financial services industry for decades assisting financial planners getting their careers started and maintained. She was also the Director of Entertainment and darn good at it.
“Non-stop” is a great description of Barb. She loved music and dancing, and she always lit up the room with smiles. She could walk into a room of strangers and within minutes have people around her laughing.
Barb was unique, inspiring and a great example for everyone. Her advice to all of us: hold your family close to your heart and never give up on them, and don’t leave anything on the table of life.
In addition to her parents, Barb was preceded in death by a nephew, Salvatore Carrabino.
Barb is survived by her devoted husband, Jerry Lilley of Granite City, IL; loving children, Lisa (Brian) Mulhall, Christopher Lilley and Kevin (Karla) Lilley; sister, Carla Carrabino; proud grandmother to Taylor Mulhall, Carlie Mulhall, Thaddeus (Courtney Johnson) Lilley, Katie (Patrick) Blair and Nicholas (Juliana Delurgio) Lilley; seven great-grandchildren; extended family and many wonderful friends.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at Irwin Chapel, Granite City, IL.
In celebration of her life, a funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 15, 2024 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Granite City, IL. Barb will be laid to rest at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Edwardsville, IL.
Memorial donations may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Donations will be accepted at the funeral chapel.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.irwinchapel.com.
