MENDOTA – Barbara J. Needs, 67, of Mendota, passed away unexpectedly on April 23, 2025, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center Rockford.

A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, May 3 from 3-9 p.m. at the VFW. Please bring a dish to pass. Cremation rites have been accorded, and burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in West Plains, Mo. Wasmer Funeral Home is privileged to assist the family.

Barb was born on Feb. 4, 1958, at Fort Madigan Army Hospital in Tacoma, Wash., to George and Lela (Judd) Barnett.

She will be dearly missed by the father of her children and best friend, Joseph Needs Sr.; daughters, Diane Barnett, Jennifer Godina, and Jennelle (Dennis) Figueroa, son Joseph Needs Jr.; 12 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; sisters, Wanda (Bob) Majernik, Kathy (Chuck) Rumfelt, Karen Belcher; and brother, Larry (Norma) Anderson.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, sister Marilyn, and brother Jack Anderson.

During her work career, Barb was an energetic and smart-witted waitress at Ziggie's for over 40 years. Her many customers will miss her smile and sassy personality. Barb loved her large family more than anything in the world. She was their rock, and the glue that held them together. She was a free spirit and enjoyed traveling wherever the wind would take her. Joe and Barb had just returned from a wonderful vacation in Punta Cana. Barb was a lifetime member at V.F.W. Post #4079 Auxiliary.

Memorials may be directed to Mendota V.F.W. Post #4079 Auxiliary. Condolences may be left at wasmerfuneralhome.com.