Barbara Ann Gantenbein

CARBONDALE - Barbara Ann Gantenbein, age 78, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2026 at Herrin Hospital with her family by her side.

Barbara was born on January 26, 1948 in Pinckneyville to Melvin and Marjorie (Griffin) Lipe. On May 13, 1972, she married Bernard "Bernie" Gantenbein Jr., in Carbondale. He preceded her in death on April 29, 2024.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Carolyn (Brian) Skouby, of DeSoto; sister, Melva "Toots" (Sandra Duffield) Williams of Herrin; brothers, Samuel (Cheryl) Lipe of Springfield, James (Nada) Lipe of Richardson, TX, and David (Peggy) Lipe of Springfield; brother-in-law, Robert "Bob" Gantenbein, and sister-in-law, Cathy King, both of Olney; several nieces and nephews; and close family friend, Loretta Seibert of Carbondale.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bernie Gantenbein and sister-in-law, Ressie Gantenbein.

An avid supporter, Barb and Bernie were passionate about both the Salukis and the St. Louis Cardinals. Over the years Barb enjoyed bowling and shopping.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in honor of Barb to American Heart Association or Hospice of Southern Illinois.

A Celebration of Barb and Bernie's Life will be held after the beginning of the year and will be announced soon.

The family would like to thank the staff at Reflections Memory Care in Herrin for taking wonderful care of Barb and Bernie.

Arrangements were entrusted to Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale. To share a story or memory of Barb, please visit www.meredithfh.com.