HEIL

Barbara Ellen (Hungerford) Heil, 80, of Sparta, IL; born on September 5, 1941 in Princeton, IN; the daughter of Virgil and Bessie Mae Hungerford; passed away on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO.

Barbara was a member at the Sparta Country Club where she enjoyed many days golfing and playing tennis.  She was a science teacher at Sparta Lincoln and went on to teach at Tilden where she retired.  Barbara loved playing cards but only when she won!  She also enjoyed traveling and spending time with her grandkids who she adored.

She is survived by two children – Tomi (Tom) Diefenbach of Sparta, MO and Chad (Danielle) Heil of Branson, MO; five grandchildren – Ryan Diefenbach, Casey (Kayla) Diefenbach, Savannah (Wesley) Vallee, Jaclyn Heil, and Shelby Heil; three great grandchildren – Bradlee Diefenbach, Brookelyn Diefenbach, and Reed Vallee; one brother – Bob (Molly) Hungerford of Florida; three sisters – Libby (Mike) Etheridge of Mt. Carmel, IL, Sara Bixby of Ozark, MO, and Mary Goad of Evansville, IN.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband – Roy Heil; parents – Virgil and Bessie Mae Hungerford; brother – Dana Hungerford.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Tilden Scholarship Fund.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 18, 2022 at Heil-Schuessler & Sinn Funeral Home in Sparta from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  Funeral services will begin at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Dennis Hamilton officiating.  Committal services will be held at Caledonia Cemetery in Sparta, IL.

Heil-Schuessler & Sinn Funeral Home in Sparta, Illinois is in charge of arrangements.

1. Teresa Wilson says:

   08/19/2022 at 2:07 pm

   So sorry for your loss. As a parent, I enjoyed working with Barb on many projects when she was at Tilden.

   Reply
2. Cindy Walker says:

   08/18/2022 at 6:57 am

   I send my sincerest sympathies for your loss. I was privileged to be able to have taught with Barb. May God give you comfort and peace.

   Reply
3. Timothy Culp says:

   08/17/2022 at 9:20 am

   Mrs. Heil was my 6th grade Math teacher (1969-70) at the old Sparta Lincoln. She and my Aunt June (McDaniel) always enjoyed playing golf together. A lovely lady who will be missed by many. So sorry for your loss.

   Reply
4. Gail Brazle says:

   08/15/2022 at 7:18 pm

   Barb was a special person to work with during our time at Sparta Lincoln. Her students were lucky to have her as a teacher. Many more of us were fortunate to have her as a friend. Prayers to you, Tomi, Chad and families. Blessings, Gail Brazle

   Reply
5. Norma Goodson says:

   08/15/2022 at 4:44 pm

   Sending love & prayers of strength for the family. You have your wings Barb! Keep flying high with the angels❣️❣️🙏🙏🙏

   Reply
6. Carol Sandow says:

   08/15/2022 at 7:27 am

   What a blessed woman to work with in education and as a room mother. There was always laughter. Her motto: ” Good, better, best. Never let it rest, ’til the good is better, and the better is best.”

   Reply
7. Laurie Rudloff Shain says:

   08/14/2022 at 11:28 pm

   Mrs Heil was our cheerleader coach in grade school and I remember always thinking how beautiful she was. To me she never changed…
   My sympathy to her family.

   Reply
   • Alan & Paulette Ashbrook says:

     08/15/2022 at 9:58 am

     Tomi and family,
     We are so sorry to hear this. She was a very kind person and loved you all unconditionally! We pray for all of you .
     Alan and Paulette Ashbrook

     Reply
8. Perry Brooks says:

   08/14/2022 at 9:16 pm

   Prayers for you all, sorry for your loss

   Reply
   • Denise Ebers says:

     08/14/2022 at 10:49 pm

     Gary and I are so sorry to hear about Barb. We both had the honor to work with her. She was a very special woman. Prayers and sympathy for her family.

     Reply