Barbara Joan Arnold

Barbara Joan Arnold, age 82, of Creal Springs, Illinois, passed from this life into the arms of Jesus on Monday, June, 27, 2022 at Integrity Healthcare of Marion, IL.

Barbara was born July 20, 1939 in Campbell, Missouri, the daughter of the late Ina Nickless and granddaughter of the late Clara (Sanders) Nickless of Campbell, Missouri.

She married her faithful and loving husband of 64 years, James D. Arnold on June 14, 1958 in Campbell, Missouri at the Campbell General Baptist Church and he survives.

Barbara graduated from Campbell, MO high school and spent one year at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO. She left after one year to marry James and focused on being a homemaker and raising her two children. They lived in Collinsville, IL and then moved to O'Fallon, MO, in 1968. It was in O'Fallon that she continued her lifelong love of learning, education and teaching. She graduated from St. Mary's College in O'Fallon, MO with a Bachelors of Education. She obtained her teaching certificate and began teaching 2nd grade at J. L. Mudd Elementary school in O'Fallon, MO. She was a dedicated teacher and loved her students. She also dearly loved her fellow teachers and counted them as dear friends. She obtained her Masters Degree in Education from Lindenwood College in St. Charles, MO. One of her papers was published in an educational journal. Barbara also had a devotion published in the yearly devotional reader of Guideposts and a prayer for 911 published in another Guidepost devotional book. Barbara taught Sunday School and formed and led Women's Bible Studies at First Christian Church of O'Fallon, MO (having lived in O'Fallon, MO until retirement) and Heartland Christian Church in Marion, IL where she had her church memberships. She and James moved to Marion, IL after their retirements. She also tutored adults returning to education through John A. Logan College and volunteered at Shawnee Christian Nursing Home in Herrin, IL for many years. Before they moved to Marion, IL, she worked at St. Charles County Library and loved dealing with the students, library programs and books! Barbara was a dedicated and godly Christian who loved the Lord and her church family. She loved gardening, reading, her family and grandchildren, sweets, ice cream and all desserts, animals of all kinds, walks and sitting out in her beautiful yard in a swing. She loved hosting big family events and was always ready to help with the grandchildren. A precious memory of Barbara is remembering her sitting each morning in her sunroom drinking coffee and reading the Bible and having her devotions. We will remember many camping trips to Montauk State Park in Missouri (where she never caught a fish) and our many times of camping on the Gasconade River with our dear friends the Moyers.

In addition to her beloved husband of 64 years, she is survived by a daughter and son and their spouses, Tami and Jim Claycomb of Belleville, IL and Tim and Roxann Arnold of Creal Springs, IL. She has 10 grandchildren, Carrie (Aaron) Kaufman, Caitlin (Steve) Wightman, Nathan Claycomb, Courtney (Tyler) Shadowens, Hunter (Mariah) Arnold, Brooke (Lane) Hutson, Cassi (Fiance Josh) Arnold, Chase (fiance Shaylie) Arnold, Luke (Megan) White and Halle (fiance Collin) White. Barbara has 18 great grandchildren. She has many nieces and nephews and other extended family. She also has many dear friends who were always considered family.

Barbara was preceded in death by her mother, Ina Nickless, her grandmother Clara Nickless and a grandson, Nathan Claycomb.

In celebration of her beautiful life, visitation will be Wednesday, July 6th, 2022 from 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM at Blue Funeral Home in Marion. Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, July 6, 2022, 10:30 AM at Blue Funeral Home with Rev. Ben Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at 1pm on Wednesday at Mounds National Cemetery in Mound City.

Memorials may be made to Mt. Moriah General Baptist Church; 1563 Palzo Road, Creal Springs, Illinois 62922 and/or Marion Garden Club, by writing in care of 'Marion Garden Club' on the envelope and mailing to 2907 Bost Orchard Road; Creal Springs, Illinois 62922. Please enter Barbara Arnold memorial on the memo line and add a card with your return address on it.