Barbara Starcevic Obituary

Barbara Zook Ziegler Starcevic

May 8, 1929 - Jan. 24, 2024

BLOOMINGTON - Barbara Ann Zook Ziegler Starcevic, of Bloomington, IL, would like to let you know that after 94 years her work here on Earth was completed on Wednesday night, January 24, 2024, and she is already on her way to her next assignment. This new assignment was a type of offer she just couldn't refuse, for an appointment from which she will not be returning.

Her new journey takes her to a wonderful and joyous place where she will be enjoying laughter, music, flowers, socializing, dancing, and most of all, lots of hugs and a reunion with her family and friends that she has not seen for a very long time.

Barbara has finally been reunited with her husbands; Harry W. Ziegler and Louis J. Starcevic; her father and mother, William A. Zook and Marguerite Lillian Ross Zook; her brother, Col. William E. Zook and his wife, Betty Lou Cane Zook; and Barbara's daughter, Deborah Gail Ziegler.

Left to celebrate and share her memory include her other daughter, Susan D. (Verle) Ziegler Castle of Le Roy, IL; two grandchildren: Rebecca E. (Michael) Vollmer of LA and Nicholas G. (Marti) Castle of WI; and five great-grandchildren: Alexander Vollmer, Kaitlyn Vollmer, Josh Vollmer, Ehlana Castle, and Lillian Castle.

As Lillian wrote, and all the great grandchildren would agree: "The saddest goodbye, I love you so so much, Baba, you were so good to everyone you knew, you made such a big difference in this world and we will never forget you. Thank you for everything you have shown and taught us. We would not be who we are today without you".

Several family members and dear friends supported Barbara with their caring and gentle ways throughout the years, for which she felt Blessed and grateful. Her family never failed to delight her with their love, care, devotion, and merriment, along with very special friends: Chris and Bill Erickson and Kathy Gaines.

Barbara was a beautiful woman, both inside and out, she was the best mother a child could ever hope to have. Barbara was a kind, loving soul who never met a stranger and was loved by all who met her. She always had a kind word or a smile to share and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Barbara will be watching over us all and will always be in our hearts.

Barbara was born and lived her entire life in Bloomington, IL. She was a graduate of Bloomington High School, Class of 1947. She attended Illinois Wesleyan University, where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Fraternity, she also attended Illinois State University.

Throughout the years, Barbara worked at Eureka Williams Company, the City of Bloomington, and Illinois State University (18 years as an Administrator of Financial Aid) and Westminster Village Martin Health Center.

She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church; past President of the Woman's Club of Bloomington/Normal; Chairman of Twin Cities Home Extension; "Queen Mother" of the Red Hat Mavericks; a member of Chapter LO of the International PEO Sisterhood; Illinois State University Annuitants; Alpha Gamma Delta Alumnae; and BroMenn Service League Auxiliary.

Barbara was always the first to volunteer and help out when needed and loved doing things for others. She also knit Pocket Prayers to help one of her Churches missions. Barbara was also known for writing books and short stories, a couple of them even a bit naughty.

Barbara wanted to leave these words as her final prayer for her loved ones: "May you always walk in sunshine, with only blue skies overhead. And, until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand."

A combined graveside service will be held for Barbara Ziegler, Deborah Gail Ziegler, and Harry Ziegler, when the weather is more cooperative (as usual Barbara wouldn't want anyone to be uncomfortable), at Park Hill Cemetery in Bloomington, IL, in late Spring or early Summer.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, OSF Hospice, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.