Barbara Ann Iversen, 88, of Paw Paw, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Prairie Crossing Nursing Home in Shabbona, Illinois. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend Barbie was known for her infectious smile and spirit. To know her was to love her.
Born on June 22, 1936, to Jay and Kate (VanBuren) Landers, she was a vibrant and passionate soul who had a zest for life. She was a 1954 graduate of Earlville High School. She pursued her passions and graduated from Rockford School of Beauty Culture in 1955. She worked in Ottawa before buying her own shop in Leland. After two years she opened one in her home in Paw Paw. She loved visiting with her clients and retired after 33 years behind the chair.
It was on October 13, 1956, that Barbie married the love of her life, Gilbert Iversen. They couldn’t wait to start a family of their own and their children meant the world to them. Family was the center of everything for Barbie. Barbie and Gibbie built a life full of love and laughter, the pair shared 68 beautiful years together.
She was an active member of the Red Hatters, where her laughter and sense of humor brought joy to everyone around her. She cherished her time spent on the water with her husband, Gib, and made lasting memories boating with family and friends. Whether it was a morning coffee hour or vodka tonics (with a lemon of course) with those she loved, Barbie always knew how to make every moment special.
She was a super fan in every sense of the word, always showing unwavering support for her children and grandchildren. She could always be found in the bleachers for sporting events, graduations, and holiday programs. Her clap was the loudest and her smile the proudest. It didn’t matter if sports wasn’t her favorite, her family was.
Barbie is survived by her loving husband, Gib Iversen, daughter Kim (Glenn) Fox of Paw Paw, daughter Gay (Don) Sellers of Earlville, and son Corey (Julie Todd) Iversen of Earlville, ten grandchildren, and twenty-four great grandchildren, and one great-great grandson, and brother Jack (Carol) Landers of Earlville, and many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by her loving parents, brother Don (Thelma) Landers; brother Willard Landers; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Arnold and Lauretta Iversen.
Memorial visitation will be held Friday, January 31, from 4:00-7:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church, 398 Chicago Road, in Paw Paw.
A memorial funeral service will be held at 10 AM Saturday, February 1, at the First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Ken Foster officiating followed by a graveside service at Wyoming Township Cemetery. The family invites Barbie’s friends and family to join us for a meal following the graveside service at the Paw Paw Community Building to celebrate her life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Paw Paw Lions Club Youth Sports or the Paw Paw Fire Department in her memory. Barbie will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who loved her.
Please visit www.Tormanfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest book.
Comment * Spend many vacations and boating outings with her. She was always the life of the party. She will be greatly missed. Love ❤️ and prayers to the family.
Comment *If you didn’t have fun when you were with Bard…you just didn’t know how to have fun. Prayers and condolences to Gib and family..
God bless Barbie. Such fun & loving Lady, Thoughts & prayers to Gibby, Kim, Gay, Corey and all the Iverson & Landers Families.
Comment *Barb was always such a fun lady to visit with. I will miss her! Prayer sent!
Comment * Verily to God we belong and unto him we shall return. May only goodness befall you Aunt Barb. I pray God will shower your loving family with his mercy and give them all the strength and patience to endure the hardship of your absence, for surely it has left a great void within their hearts. 💔
Comment *Barbie will always be remembered for that smile of hers, never meeting someone she did not know, the many sports events she sat on those hard wooden bleachers watching Corey, Kim and Gay in their sports career or anything else they were involved in. Then came the grandkids and great grandkids. She did not miss a beat! She will be so remembered by all. Sending prayers and hugs.