Barbara Jean (Snodgrass) Schang, wife, mother of 3, grandmother of 3, passed away on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at the age of 89. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 3, 2024, 1:00-3:00 PM. at Vandemore Funeral Home & Crematory-Geneseo Chapel. Memorial service will held at 3:00 PM at the funeral home with Rev. Barry Wynveen officiating. A celebration luncheon will be held at the First Presbyterian Church beginning at 4:30 PM. The memorial service will be livestreamed at www.vandemorefuneralhome.com/live-stream. Memorial donations made be made to the Geneseo Animal Shelter or Hammond Henry Hospital. Condolences can be left at www.vandemorefuneralhome.com.
Barb, as she liked to be called, was born in the idyllic community of Geneseo, Illinois on September 9, 1934. Barb was raised in Geneseo, graduating from Geneseo High School in 1952. She attended Northwestern University, graduating with a degree in nursing in 1957.
During her undergraduate studies, she met a strong, goal oriented young man: John Schang. They wed on December 22, 1956.
Together they raised three daughters, Susan Ruxton-Schang, Cynthia Lou (Schang)
Van Buskirk and Christine Ann Schang. Barb was thrilled to become a “Meme” with the birth of her grandchildren, Alexander John Van Buskirk, and twins Julia Jean Van Buskirk and Samuel Cusack Van Buskirk.
Barb was an integral part of her community, wherever she and her family resided. John and Barb lived in Kingsville, TX, Warsaw IN, Davenport IA, Waterloo, IA and Geneseo, IL. She was a member of the Presbyterian church and held positions as deacon and elder for numerous years. She was an active member of PEO, and an avid and accomplished bridge player. She volunteered in many community needs such as the library, hospital and Garden Club.
In 1993, she and John retired and moved to Geneseo, IL. They bought a Victorian home in the historic area of Geneseo and spent many years refurbishing and decorating their beautiful home and surrounding gardens.
Barb was a lifelong learner, who enjoyed studying psychology, handwriting analysis, dream analysis and researching medical conditions. One of Barb’s passions was planning events. She was well-known for her floral arrangements and her willingness to share her talents and extend a helping hand whenever asked.
Barb was a strong supporter of the Hammond Henry Hospital in Geneseo, IL. planning numerous fundraiser events, maintaining the rose garden, and working as a volunteer in the gift shop.
Loving animals was always a part of her life and she had a special place in her heart for her dogs.
Barb is survived by her husband, John Schang, her daughters Sue, Cindy and Kristi, her grandchildren Alex, Julia, and Sam. She is preceded in death by her parents, Miriam and Harry Snodgrass and her son-in-law Jamie Van Buskirk.