Barbara Weber-Thornton

Barbara Weber Thornton, 92, longtime resident of Robinson, Illinois passed away peacefully at Heritage Oaks Assisted Living and Memory Care in Englewood, Florida on December 25, 2020. She was born on January 6, 1928 in Mattoon, Illinois and was the daughter of Homer Lawrence and Ditha Elizabeth Corn, both of which preceded her in death. She married Jack Weber on December 8, 1946 and they had three children together: Sheri Lin Hasty, Debbie Gail Bandy and Todd Sterling Weber, who survive. Jack, a local WTAY personality, preceded her in death at the young age of 50 on May 23, 1977. Barbara married Rene’ Thornton on September 28, 1993 and they spent several fun years together enjoying the Florida lifestyle. He also preceded her in death on May 10, 2008. Barbara began her career as a secretary for the Craig and Craig law firm right out of high school in Mattoon, Illinois. She also worked for Bayard Heath, Sr., L.S. Heath and Company helping him to write his memoirs. She also worked for G. Kent Phillipps of Cox, Cox, & Phillips and in later years, for Marathon Oil Company in Robinson, Illinois. Barbara loved dancing, meeting up for lunch or coffee with her many friends. She enjoyed painting and embroidering and learned her talent for sewing from her mother. She was so proud of her children and family. She was known by many as a sweet, gracious lady with a beautiful smile and a little bit of spunk! Barbara is survived by her children: Sheri Hasty (Johnston, Iowa), Debbie & Steve Bandy (Rotonda West, Florida) and Todd & Gail Weber (Terre Haute, Indiana) and a step-daughter, Pamela Thornton (Ossining, New York), her grand-children: Hope Hasty Trueblood (Rutledge, Tennessee), Ryan & Junli Hasty (Des Moines, Iowa), Caleb & Nicole Bandy (Columbus, Ohio) and Emilie Bandy & Mike Petriello (Brooklyn, New York), Thomas Weber & Anna Begley (Chicago, Illinois) and Kayla and Jason Highley (Indianapolis, Indiana). Barbara has been blessed with 7 great-grandchildren: TJ & Gabrielle Trueblood, Vanessa & Carl Hasty, Lennon Bandy and Henry & Juliet Petriello. She also is survived by her nieces and nephews. The family is forever grateful to the Memory Care Staff of Heritage Oaks who loved her with all of their hearts and made her a part of their “family”. Preceding her in death were her parents, one brother: Paul Corn and two sisters: Virginia Benoit and Betty Young, her first husband: Jack Weber and a baby grandson: Jack Derek Bandy, a niece: Sherry K. Young Robinson, son in-law: Lloyd Hasty and her late husband: Rene’ Thornton. Englewood Community Funeral Home, Inc. Englewood, Florida along with Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson, Illinois are handling the services. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, private family graveside services will be held in the Robinson New Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that honorariums be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to a charity of your choice.