Barbara Karen Connaway, 89, of Texico, Illinois, passed away at 10:40 am March 14, 2025 at her residence. She was born September 14, 1935 in Hammond, Indiana to William Woodrow “Woody” and Florine Ernestine (Benard) Smith. Barbara married Chester “Chet” Earle Connaway on December 25, 1952 in Mount Vernon, Illinois. They were blessed with nearly seventy years of marriage before he preceded her in death on October 2, 2022.

Barbara is survived by her daughters, Michele “Shelly” McFarlin and Dave Dubay of Texico, Illinois, Dee Lynn Hicks of Texico, Illinois, Beth Anne Hardig and husband, Darrell of Mount Vernon, Illinois; daughter, LeeAnne Connaway of Mount Vernon, Illinois; son, Robert Earle Goldman Connaway of Mount Vernon, Illinois; granddaughters, Karen Rich and Kavell McClain of Mount Vernon, Illinois, Bekkah Rich Johnson and husband, Paul of Mount Vernon, Illinois; grandsons, Garrett McFarlin of Texico, Illinois, Larry Hardig, III and Benita of Mount Vernon, Illinois, Micah Hardig of Mount Vernon, Illinois, and Michael Hicks of Texico, Illinois; fourteen great-grandchildren; sister, Norma Bowles and Charles Setzkorn of Mount Vernon, Illinois; brothers, Douglas Smith and wife, Maren of Virginia and Martin Smith and wife, Cathy of Opdyke, Illinois; sister-in-law, Sandra Smith of Mount Vernon, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Barbara was preceded in death by her brother, Donald Smith and sons-in-law, Chuck Hicks and Lynn McFarlin.

Barbara was a member of Wesley United Methodist church. She enjoyed bird watching and wildflowers of Southern Illinois. Barbara loved to cook for her family and will be dearly missed.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Oakwood Cemetery. A Graveside service will begin at 3:00 pm. Inurnment will follow. Memorials may be made in Barbara’s honor to the local DAV (Disabled American Veterans) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.