Barbara Lucille Sons, age 83, of Salem, Illinois, formerly of Flora, passed away Monday evening, December 23, 2019, at the home of her daughter in Kell.

   She was born December 9, 1936, in Hoosier Township, Clay County, the daughter of Leland E. and Lucy A. (Stanley) Cook.  She was united in marriage to Lowell Beryl Sons on June 11, 1955, in Flora, and they shared 60 wedding anniversaries until his death March 15, 2016.

   Barbara worked at Sparton Manufacturing for 33 years until they closed their doors and she was able to take retirement.  She loved to be outdoors taking walks, gardening, and watching nature.  She liked to read, work word search puzzles, and go to thrift shops and rummage sales.  She enjoyed family gatherings and chatting with her neighbors and old friends and cherished time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.   

   She is survived by her children: Jeff (Paula) Sons of Centralia, Gary (Cindy) Sons of Woodbridge, VA, Carol (Ron) Pruitt of Kell, and Walter Sons (significant other Teresa Clifton) of Cisne; 12 grandchildren: Angela Smith, Nicci Sons, Stephanie Sons, Samantha Sons, Christopher Sons, Jeannie Sons, Amy Pruitt, Ronnie Pruitt, Caleb Pruitt, Jarod Sons, Crystal Sons, and Amy Hawkins; 10 great-grandchildren: Avery, Rowan, Neveah, Madison, Brayden, Paisley, Jaxson, Ramona, Gracie, and Colten; a brother: David (Cheri) Cook; and 2 sisters: Darlene (Jamey) Grimsley and Arlene (Jim) Zenisek.

   She was preceded in death by her parents: Leland and Lucy Cook; husband: Lowell Sons; 2 brothers: Allen Cook and Gerald Cook; and a granddaughter: Amber Dawn Sons.

   A funeral service will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, January 4, 2020, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Burial will take place at a later date in East Lawn Cemetery, Salem.  Visitation will be 1 p.m. until time of service on Saturday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted through the funeral home.