Barbara Jane (Chockley) Slaton, 60, of Knoxville died at 1:05 p.m. Jan. 8, 2021, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.Barbara Jane (Chockley) Slaton, 60, of Knoxville died at 1:05 p.m. Jan. 8, 2021, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
She was born Aug. 29, 1960, in Rushville, a daughter of Richard and Sandra Sipes Chockley. She married Douglas Slaton on Aug. 13, 1983. He survives.
Also surviving are three children, Laith D. Slaton of Knoxville, John R. (and Lauren) Slaton of Gilson and Rae Anne Slaton of Knoxville; one sister, Donna (and Phillip) Slaton of Galesburg; one brother, Rod Chockley (and Debbie Lindsey) of Rushville; two aunts; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
She graduated from Rushville High School with the Class of 1978. Her first jobs included working at Kozy Korner and Snyder’s Vaughn-Haven Nursing Home. After starting her family, she became a stay-at-home mom. She later continued her education at Western Illinois University, receiving a Bachelors Degree in Education followed by a Masters Degree in Special Education. Throughout her career, she taught at several schools in the Knoxville and Galesburg school districts. She found her calling as a special education teacher. After 20 years as an educator, Barb retired in 2018.
She volunteered at Galesburg Road Runners Club events, registering runners and assisting with race results. She organized the yearly fundraiser for the Knoxville fireworks display Big Bang Trivia Nights.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Wood Funeral Home in Rushville with Ron Hall officiating. A visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Mask and social distancing will be required.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Research Hospital or the American Cancer Society.
Condolences may be sent to www.woodfh.net.
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