Barbara Jeane Gagen, a lifelong resident of Marshall, IL, passed away on Monday, Nov. 28, 2016 at the age of 91 at Sisters of Providence Healthcare in West Terre Haute, IN.
Barb was born on March 17, 1925 to Hubert “Buddy” and Izola Spung Ferris. She was preceded in death by brother, Don Ferris and his wife Margaret of Robinson, IL; sisters, Norma Colegrove of Columbia, SC and Virginia”Butch”Shockley of Marshall, IL.
On Nov. 20, 1946, Barb married John David Gagen. John, who spent his career as an Illinois State Trooper, passed away on Oct. 5, 1983. Barb and John had 5 children who survive; Jan Geoghegan and husband Vincent of Houston, TX, David Gagen of Marshall, Colleen McConnell and her husband Herb of Terre Haute, IN, Barbara “Bobbie” Hickman of Frisco, TX and Dr. Gina Gagen of Eddy, TX. Barb is also survived by grandchildren, Jena McCall a, her husband Eric and their sons, Nathan and Eric, Ben McConnell, his wife Terri and their children, Caitlyn, Aislin, Bridget and Brendan, Kelly McConnell, her fiancé Aaron McMahan and theirs sons, Preston and Fletcher, Erin Eitel and son, Kade, Lauren Hickman, wife Mani and daughter Aubree. Also surviving are nephews Jon, Don and Joe Ferris and their families, and Vincent Colegrove and his family. Her beloved Bichon Frise and constant companion Chloe will miss her terribly. After her graduation from Marshall High School, Barb began her career at Velsicol in their lab in Marshall. After her youngest entered kindergarten, Barb enrolled in the nursing program at Ivy Tech where she earned her LPN degree. She worked at Union Hospital and Burnside Nursing home where she worked until her retirement. Barb was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church in Marshall, Marshall Golf Course, where she was a city champion on multiple occasions, Antique Club, American Legion Auxiliary and Life Member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW. She enjoyed golfing, shopping, eating out with friends, playing bingo, gardening and spending the holidays with friends and family.
Services in honor of her life will be 10:00 AM Friday at Pearce Funeral Home in Marshall with Rev. Richard Lewis officiating. Visitation will be4:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Marshall Cemetery. After the graveside service a light lunch will be served by the ladies of her church at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Providence and VNA Hospice for the support in her final days. Online condolences are being accepted at pearcefuneralservices.com.
