MENDOTA - Barbara E. Hathaway, 85, of Mendota passed away Dec. 26, 2020 at Aperion Care, Spring Valley.

Private family burial services will be held at Restland Cemetery, Mendota. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is handling arrangements.

Barbara was born July 4, 1935 to Elmer and Helen (Eilers) Klein. She married John Hathaway on March 17, 1957 at the Baptist Church in Mendota.He passed away on Aug. 11, 1996.

Survivors include by her children, Jeff Hathaway of Mendota and Lisa (Tim) Trevier of Ladd; four grandchildren, Ian, Kieran, Kavan and Taryn; one brother, Steve (Connie) Klein of Morton; one sister, Sharon (Sam) Hecox of Atlanta, Ga.; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and a son, Edward Hathaway.

Barb was a 1953 graduate of Mendota High School. She went on to Galesburg Cottage College where she received her RN in 1956. She returned to school at Northern Illinois University and received her BSN in 1976. She was employed at Mendota Community Hospital and enjoyed the O.B. unit. She then went on to become the nurse at Mendota High School until her retirement after 36 years. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, needle point and counted cross stitch. She was also a member of the Mendota Moose Club and Troy Grove Grange. Her favorite pastime was being with her family and especially her grandchildren.

Memorials may be directed to the Mendota Area Christian Food Pantry or Illinois Valley Animal Rescue.