Barbara Sue Calkins

Barbara Sue Calkins, 93, of Bloomfield, passed away Saturday February 25, 2023. Born August 22, 1929 in Chicago, the daughter of Frank and Irene (Plantz) Tryner.

In 1953, while working for International Harvester, she met the blue-eyed Burton “Hank” Calkins. The perky, cute Barb worked for Mr. Dacey, one of the heads of the company and it was Hank’s job to bring her weekly reports of any issues he came across while testing engines. They began dating and married on June 11, 1955; they soon moved to Indiana and started a family, welcoming Linda in 1962 and Bruce in 1964.

The couple became immersed in farm life and one could always find Barb right there amongst the men, shearing Christmas trees or driving tractors along the bumpy pastures caring for their cattle. Barbara was tiny but mighty, strong and energetic. Despite her days filled with many farming activities, Barbara was very active in her church, Holy Name in Bloomfield, and the Happy Homemakers. She always found time to bake especially yummy cookie bars for a family game of Uno, spoons, ect.

She leaves behind her loving husband Burton Calkins; daughters, Linda (Pat) McGurn and Kathy (Steve) Ligon; and son Bruce (Lisa) Calkins; her grandchildren, Daniel (Morgan) Ligon, Rachel Calkins and Ash Calkins; sister-in-law, Gail Tryner, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Barb was preceded in death by one son, Robert, who passed at birth; grandchildren, Blake and Noah Calkins and her brothers.

Visitation will be held on Monday March 6, 2023 at Jenkins Funeral Home in Bloomfield from 4-7 p.m.. Father Simon Natha will have a Rosary service at 7 p.m.

Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in River Grove, Ill.

Online condolences and memories can be shared at www.jenkinsfuneralhomes.com.