Barbara Jean Henderson Ausmus passed away on Wednesday October 17th, 2018. She was born on January 29 th , 1937 in Springfield, IL. She was one of three daughters born to Donald and Dilys Henderson. Barbara's sisters include Delores and Donna Bell. Barbara had one son, J.T. Ausmus.

Other family of Barbara include her nephews, Douglas and Daniel Bull and brother-in-law, Don Bull. Barb was very proud of and spoke often about her loving nephews. She had many aunts, uncles, and cousins that she dearly loved. She had a particularly close relationship with her Uncle and Aunt, Floyd and Betty Henderson. Over the years Barb shared many gatherings at family holidays and celebrations, travelled during family vacations, and shared her love of family with close cousins, Vickie Matlack, Judy Morgan, Pam Minder, Lory Cook, and Lisa Henderson.

Barbara was a graduate of Lanphier High School in Springfield. She worked as a caregiver at several area nursing homes and provided loving care to many of her patients over her career. She made many friends while working in healthcare and was well respected. Over the past several years, and up until her passing, Barbara resided at Heritage Healthcare Center. Caregivers at Heritage often commented to family their appreciation of Barbara's witty humor and sweet disposition. She had a love for music idolizing Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley.

Barbara's mother was of Welsh heritage and Barbara had a special knowledge and fondness of the British Monarchy. She often attempted to persuade others and perhaps was a relative of another favorite singer, the Welsh born Tom Jones.

Again, Barbara had a wonderful sense of humor and was known by family and friends for her kind heart. She enjoyed traveling with her Aunt Betty and Uncle Floyd taking numerous RV trips to Arizona to visit cousin Judy Morgan, her husband Perry, and their family. The family also travelled to the southeastern states to visit their Winkler cousins. Barb looked forward to these adventures. She was always a good sport and a wonderful companion in travel. Barbara had a love for family pets and often provided care for a favorite doggie, Buckley Matlack while cousin Vickie and her husband, Bill travelled to Mayo Clinic for Bill's cancer treatments.

Barbara carried with her in her wallet newspaper clippings. These were important to her as they were worn and tattered from her reading often. The content of the clippings included many life lessons to guide her in living a fulfilling and happy life. One clipping included advice to avoid despair about what you did not have as a child or spend your life trying to deny or recreate the past. This lesson included advice to build a more loving life for yourself by loving others. Another clipping advised that exercise improving mental alertness, boosting self-esteem, and helping one to relax. Yet another clipping advised one to never give up, never losing your sense of humor, and to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Another clipping was a good deeds letter thanking Dr. Gary Minder and his staff at Grace Veterinary Clinic for care provided to a local family pet, demonstrating Barb's love of both family and pets.

Barbara's family would like to extend our heartfelt thank-you to the caregivers and all staff at Heritage Health who made her final days comfortable with their kindness. Barbara, we know you are rejoicing as you join your loving parents, sister Delores, and the many other dear family members and friends in heaven. We will miss you and love you always.