Barbara J. Perry

Barbara Jean (Highland) Perry, 82 of Blackstone passed away Monday evening (February 23, 2026) surrounded by her family.

Following cremation, a visitation will be held Saturday (Feb. 28th) from 10 AM until 12noon at the Winterrowd Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 12noon at the funeral home with burial in the Rowe Cemetery at a later date.

Barb was born on December 12, 1943, in Pontiac to Floyd and Imogene (Lewis) Highland. She married Ivan Perry on August 26, 1962. He survives.

Also surviving are daughters, Julie Washko of Blackstone, Beth (Scott) Madara of Manville and Kathy (Andy Mackinson) Harris of Pontiac, grandchildren, Darcy (Shaun) Johnson, Sarah (Riley) Parcher, Corey (Liz) Harris and Austin (Taylor) Harris, great grandchildren, Maddux, Matthew, Hunter, Hadley and Harper, brother Douglas Highland of Cornell, sister, Sandra (Randy) Shay of Pontiac, brother in law Larry Perry of Streator and sister in law Gladys Perry of Streator and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, in laws, Nancy Highland, Kathleen Perry, Art and Faye Perry, Wayne and Alice Perry.

Barbara attended Pontiac/Essman Grade School, graduated from Cornell High School 1961 and attended Mid-State Business College in Peoria. She retired from St. Mary’s Hospital in the HR department and the Streator National Bank. Barbara was a member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Pontiac.

Barbara had the love for her family and especially her great grandkids and the love for watching Survivor, Dancing with the Stars, Deal or no Deal, visits to Starved Rock, Allen Park and watching the parachuters in Ottawa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either the Woodland School or the Graymont Grade School for her great grandchildren’s education.

The family would like to give a Special Thank You to the OSF Hospice Program for the wonderful and compassionate care that was given to Barbara.