Barbara G. Slusher

Barbara G. (Van Ausdoll) Slusher, 94, of Tremont, passed away Saturday, February 28, 2026 at her daughter’s home in Tremont.

Born December 28, 1931, to Oscar Weaver and Flossie Florence Moore Van Ausdoll, Barbara lived a life defined by a "jack of all trades" spirit, a quick wit, and an unwavering devotion to her family and her faith.  She is survived by two daughters, Janice A. Wright and Pamela R. (Edward) Jackson; one granddaughter Amy (Eric) Burleson; three great-grandsons, Nathaniel (Faith) Birdsell, Tyler and Connor Roberts; and two great-great granddaughters, Legend and Legacy Birdsell.

Barbara was a woman of immense energy and diverse talents. She worked for Foster and Gallagher of Peoria and was a beloved neighborhood figure who babysat many children over the years. A true animal lover, she bred Chihuahuas and was known for taking in strays of all sorts. Her hands were rarely still; she loved to garden, can her own food, and cook everything from scratch.

Her greatest legacy was her service to the Lord. Barbara served as a teacher for the Girls’ Auxiliary, the Women’s Missionary Union, and girls' Sunday School classes. Her faith was a practical one; alongside her husband, she helped physically build both the Marquette Heights Baptist Church and Calvary Baptist Church of Tremont.  She was a dedicated member of Tremont Baptist Church at the time of her death.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Nelson E. Slusher; two sisters, Vera Lewis and Dorothy (Chester) Howie; one brother, Roscoe (Margaret) Van Ausdoll; one grandson, Curtis W. Jackson; one granddaughter, Stacey M. Windle; and one great-grandson, Kayden James Birdsell.

She was a member of the Tremont Baptist Church, where her funeral will be at 2:00 pm Saturday, March 7, 2026 Pastor Noah Lee and Pastor Ken Graham will officiate.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm Friday, also at the church. Burial will be in Antioch Cemetery in Tremont.  Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Tremont. 

Memorials may be made to Tremont Baptist Church.

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