Barbara Jean (Hooker) Elkins

Barbara Jean Elkins, 91, of Mt. Vernon, formerly of Cambria, passed away Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Sunday, May 7, 2023, at Hillcrest Cemetery in Carterville, with Pastor Zach Nave officiating.

Barbara was born May 15, 1931, in Hurst, to John “Dan” and Carrie (Strunk) Hooker. She married Howard “Gene” Elkins on September 17, 1951, in Cambria. He preceded her in death on March 24, 1997. Gene remained the greatest love of her life.

She is survived by her son, Martin (Joan) Elkins of St. Louis; daughter, Denise (John) Steffy of Mt. Vernon; grandchildren, Andrew Elkins (fiancée, Linh Hua) of Los Angeles, California, Glen (Katy) Elkins of Arvada, Colorado, Lauren (Matt) Guenther of Nashville, Tennessee, Andrea (Asa) Buck of Opdyke, Illinois, and Christina (Brian) Pierce of Wentzville, Missouri; six great-grandchildren; sister, Brenda (Johnny) Richmond of Herrin; sister-in-law, Glenda Hooker; brothers-in-law, Don Elkins and Dick Elkins; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and eight siblings.

In her earlier days, Barbara worked at Allen Industries. She later worked at the J.C. Penny offices in Mt. Vernon.

Barbara was known for her cooking – everyone loved it! If you knew her, then you knew that Barbara prided herself on how clean her house always was.  She was a strong, independent person, who loved spending time with her family. Barbara also enjoyed antiquing with her sister and sister-in-law.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville is in charge of arrangements. 

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