Anna Murbarger

Anna Murbarger, 69, of Robinson, IL, passed away on February 22, 2025, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by the love of her family.

Now, if Anna were reading this, she’d already have something to say about it—probably something like, “Don’t you dare write me one of those boring obituaries.” So, in her honor, here’s the real story of a woman who packed a whole lot of life into her 69 years:

Born on March 20, 1955, in Joliet, IL, Anna grew up in the Flora area (Rinard, IL), where her no-nonsense attitude started early. She graduated from Flora High School as president of the Class of 1973. Never one to wait around, she asked her friend’s brother, Ray Murbarger, to prom. ( Because waiting for an invitation? Not her style. ) That bold move kicked off a love story that led to their marriage on May 9, 1974. Together, they built a home that was always open to friends, family, and anyone who needed a place to land. And if you were lucky, you landed there right around dinnertime.

After all, Anna’s fried chicken was legendary—some say the best in the universe—and her lasagna wasn’t far behind. Cooking wasn’t just a skill; it was her love language. Weddings, funerals, Sunday dinners—you name it, she cooked for it, and always in portions fit for an army. Complaining about what was on the table? Not an option. The menu was the menu, and if you didn’t like it, you could wait until tomorrow. Misbehaving? Also not an option. Anna had no problem grounding you—even if you weren’t her kid—and she’d call your parents to make sure the punishment stuck. Spoiler alert: They always backed her up. And if she ever got quiet, that’s when you really knew you were in trouble.

Her home was a gathering place, where Sundays meant crowded tables, laughter that echoed through the walls, and music that filled every corner. Anna loved music—Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” was practically her personal anthem, and “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days)” by The Judds could bring a tear to her eye. Elvis Presley was a household staple—every movie, every song, whether her kids liked it or not. (They still call it “child abuse,” but she called it “good taste.” )

Music wasn’t just something she listened to—it was something she lived. In high school, she sang in the choir and performed The National Anthem at Flora ballgames. Later, her greatest hits were the silly songs she sang with her kids and grandkids— “How Much Is That Doggie in the Window” , “You’re in the Army Now” , and “A Bushel and a Peck” . Family road trips often turned into full-blown concerts, and if you found yourself at the Murbarger house on karaoke night, you’d hear Anna belting out Tracy Byrd’s “When Mama Ain’t Happy” with all the passion of someone who knew exactly how true those lyrics were! And when the music played, Anna danced—sometimes gracefully, like when she swing danced with Butch at family gatherings, and sometimes just to embarrass her kids, like breaking into a two-step in the middle of Walmart. Life was too short not to dance, even if it meant a few sideways glances from strangers.

Her love of people didn’t stop with family. Anna never met a stranger and never passed up a chance to chat—whether with an old friend or a random passerby. Her heart was as big as her personality, always taking in stray dogs—and stray people—who needed a little help getting back on their feet. Her beloved dog, Maggie, was her constant companion, though she could never resist adopting “just one more” when the opportunity arose. Her hallway, known as the “Brag Wall” or “Wall of Honor,” proudly displayed photos of family members who served in the military—a testament to both her fierce pride in her loved ones and her undying love for her country.

Anna’s work life was as full as her home life. She worked at North American Lighting in Flora, cooked at a nursing home in Trenton, MI, and spent time at County Line Cheese. In 1986, she became a licensed beautician, teaching at the local beauty school while running a side business of haircuts in her kitchen—where she continued to trim, tease, and talk until her hands simply couldn’t do it anymore. But it was her 20-plus years at Victor Dana that became her most memorable chapter. Rising to the rank of supervisor, she offered guidance, advice, and likely a few unsolicited opinions along the way. Even during seasonal layoffs, she didn’t sit still, finding part-time jobs to support her family. Later in life, she found her true calling as the housekeeping and laundry supervisor at Ridgeview Health and Rehab Center, where helping people became more than a job—it was her passion. She worked there until her health said “enough” in 2020, though her heart would’ve stayed longer if it could.

In her free time, Anna loved a good game—Bingo nights at the Elks, card games with friends, and anything that brought people together. Euchre, Spades, Hearts, Pinochle—if there were cards involved, she was in! And if she had to sit still, you’d find her crocheting afghans—each one stitched with the same love that she poured into every meal she cooked. Many of those meals were made with ingredients straight from her garden, where her green thumb worked wonders on tomatoes, cucumbers, and corn. Of course, gardening wasn’t without its challenges—like the time her boot got stuck in the mud, and no one came to her rescue (a story she never quite let anyone forget) .

If you found yourself at the Murbarger house on movie night, odds were good you’d be watching Blue Hawaii or Jailhouse Rock —because, obviously, Elvis. (Her kids still mostly forgive her for this.) John Wayne was another favorite, because nothing beat a good western and a tough cowboy who got the job done. Later, when the local movie theater opened, Anna loved loading up the grandkids and treating them to a night at the movies—anything to create more family memories. Even when health challenges slowed her down, Anna showed up. Feeding tube, trach—none of it kept her from cheering on her grandkids at ballgames because love shows up, no matter what. Cancer may have tested her, but it never broke her spirit. Even during treatments at Crossroads Cancer Center, she made friends—because Anna could turn any moment into a chance for connection.

So, in her honor, gather your people. Cook a meal that’s too big, laugh until you cry, and tell someone the hard truth when they need to hear it. And if you hear a good song in the grocery store—dance like nobody’s watching. And if they are watching? Even better.

She will forever be remembered by her husband of 50 years, Raymond “Ray” Murbarger; by her children, Tina & husband Brad Midgett, Raymond “Butch” & wife Kelly Murbarger, and Tony Murbarger & fiancée Samantha Lankston; by her grandchildren, Courtney Midgett, KateLynn & husband JR Snell, Bradley Midgett, Ava Murbarger, Owen Murbarger, Tristin Lankston, Alex Lankston, Allie Lankston, Davian Gregory, and Lylah Murbarger; and by her great-grandchildren, Liam Neidigh and Sutton Midgett. She is also survived by her siblings, Steven Ganster, Lori & Kevin Thomas, Robert Thompson, Jr, Theresa Thompson, and Sandra Gulledge; by several nieces and nephews; and by her lifelong friend, Carole Helm. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert, Sr & Blanche (Rambo) Thompson; her sister, Luvina Rae Hedge; and her special aunt, Eileen Newcomb, who was more like a sister than an aunt.

Cremation arrangements were under the care of Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson.

Her family will be having a Celebration of Life at:

The Woods Event Center

10584 N 600th St.

Robinson, IL. 62454

Saturday, March 22, 2025

2:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Please join us in celebrating the life of an unforgettable woman!! Friends and family are welcome to visit any time from 2-7pm to share a memory, laugh, cry, or make a toast!!! Most of you know that Anna cooked to show her love to people, so you know there will be food!! Please come sit for a minute and reminisce with the family while enjoying some amazing food catered by West Union Cafe and Home Plate. For those who would like to make a toast to a woman who touched more lives than she ever knew, we will have time available for drinks and cheers from 3-6pm.

So please, bring your pictures and your memories to share in this love-filled evening celebrating Anna.

Forever in our Hearts