By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
9 Comments
    • Service

      All services will be private.

    • Full Obituary

      Patricia Ann Barr, 89, of Highland, IL, passed away on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at Countryside Manor in Aviston, IL.

      She was born on November 6, 1932, in Pocahontas, IL, to John and Mildred (nee Gillespie) Potts. On December 29, 1950, she married Joseph “Red” Barr at Edgemont Bible Church in East St. Louis, IL.

      From 1970 to 1974, Pat and her husband founded Pat and Joe’s Family Inn in Highland. Today it is known as the 9th Street Café. From 1974 to 1978, she lived with her husband and five children in St. Petersburg, FL, where she worked as a nurse’s aide. She and her children moved back to Highland after the death of her husband in 1978. Pat loved to cook, especially for her family. She made the best fried chicken, mashed potatoes, mostaccioli, macaroni and cheese, and mexican pizza. Pat had a great love for children, being the most loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was fantastic and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

      She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mildred Potts; her husband, Joseph “Red” Barr; children, Michelle Barr and Terry Barr; daughter-in-law, Jan Aleman; son-in-law, David Volz; great-granddaughter, Ava Junk; sisters, Eula Mae Potts and Dorothy Rick; brother-in-law, Frank Rick.

      Patricia is survived by her children, John (Barbara) Barr, Debra “Deb” Volz, Brenda Hediger, Lisa (Cecil) Smith, Joseph (Claudia) Barr Jr., Sam (Millie) Aleman; 17 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren with two on the way; brother-in-law, Patrick (Lana) Barr; sister-in-law, Elisabeth Barr; nephew, Frank (Debbie) Rick; niece, Kathy (Steve) Teipe.

      Memorial donations may be made to Heartland Hospice.

      All services will be private.

      Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

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    9 Condolences
     
    1. Nikki Gillespie Anthony / February 2, 2022 at 10:30 am

      Rest In Peace Pat. I know she will be missed by all.

    2. Mike & Patty Noe / February 2, 2022 at 3:06 pm

      Rest in peace Pat. Our sympathy to the family, especially John and Barb and their family.

    3. Brenda K Hediger / February 4, 2022 at 9:09 am

      Dear Mom…

      It’s hard to be!ieve you are gone. You were the foundation for our family. The gorilla glue that held us all together…in good times and bad…in happy times and sad. For me…you were my rock. My mom and my dad. My confidant. My cheerleader. My idol. My everything. I love you more than words and will misś you everyday.

      Your loving daughter..
      Brenda

    4. Timothy Gillespie / February 4, 2022 at 1:03 pm

      Rest In Peace Patsy my sympathy to your family from our family

      My sympathy
      Timothy Gillespie

    5. Lisa / February 4, 2022 at 2:25 pm

      All,

      Mom is gone. And, as you know, the last few years have been tough.
      She fought so hard, though…like she always has.

      I remember when our dad died in Florida and she had to quickly become both mother and father to us. Such a difficult time. There were good times and some pretty hard times over the years. I think the most difficult times were burying Michelle and Terry; no mother should have to bury her children. She was so strong and got us through it.

      She was proud of all of us (in spite of our differences). As a matter of fact, one of her claims to fame was that most of us went to college and none of us went to jail (that she knew of).

      Her other claim to fame was her amazing cooking. The other day I thought if they didn’t have the best fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, etc. in Heaven when she got there, they do now!!

      When I told Tori that that her grandma had passed, she said I’m sorry mom, but she is probably so happy now! She gets to see your dad and so many people she loved and has missed. So, on that note, we had her for so long, but it’s their turn now. I love you mom, and we will see you on the other side!

      Love, Lisa

    6. Gary Gillespie and Linda Gillespie Cappello / February 5, 2022 at 2:13 am

      Rest In Peace Patsy
      Our sympathy to your family

    7. Amber / February 5, 2022 at 9:19 am

      Forever and always my Grammy!!!! I miss you more than words can say and will tell you I love you a million times over!!! Rest In Peace, until we meet again.

    8. Sherry Moyer / February 7, 2022 at 5:12 pm

      We send our deepest sympathy to Pat’s family. She was the first of all the first cousins and loved by all. She and Red could not have been nicer to our family and we loved to spend time at the farm and then The Family Inn. She will be greatly missed! Bob, Sherry, and Tim Moyer

    9. Mike Zobrist / February 10, 2022 at 3:55 pm

      Our condolences to John & the Barr family. Cindy & I and my parents are saddened about the passing of your Mom, Pat. We are glad that Pat was a part of both my life and my parents’ lives. We have nothing but fond memories of her.
      Mike & Cindy Zobrist; Morris & Linda Zobrist

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