Barbara Jane (Poninski) Rohner

Barbara Jane Rohner, 86, of Junction City passed away with her loving family surrounding her, Friday, September 17, 2021 at the home she raised her family and watched her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren grow.  She was born on September 26, 1934 the daughter of Louis and Wilma (Hutchings) Poninski in Pinckneyville, IL. She married the love of her life and her best friend, Don Rohner on November 8, 1952 at St Lawrence Catholic Church in Sandoval and he preceded her in death on December 25, 2009. 

Barbara leaves behind a sincere matriarch’s legacy in her children; Allen Rohner and wife Lisa, Susan Rhodes and husband Mark, John Rohner and wife Margarite; grandchildren, Jason Rhodes and wife Stephanie, Mandy Rhodes and wife Katie, Jarrod Rhodes, Nathan Rohner and wife Samantha, Sarah Gebke and husband Brandon; great-grandchildren, Brooke Williams and husband Dan; Briley Rhodes, Brynn Rhodes, Kent Gebke, Aubrey Rohner; great-great-grandchildren, Sutton Williams, and baby girl Rowan Williams expected to arrive in January 2022; brother Mike Poninski and wife Sue; host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Wilma Poninski; husband of 57 years, Don Rohner; sister, June Kelly and husband Bob; brother, Bobby Poninski.

Barb will be remembered as a kind, loving soul who volunteered many hours as a Pink Lady at SSM St. Mary’s Hospital having started in April of 1982.  One project she was known for at the hospital was hand crafting special keepsake Christmas stockings  worn by newborn babies home with love from Barb. She devoted many hours to the St. Monica Altar Sodality and her church family at St. Lawrence Catholic Church.  Her love for people continued in her own home where she curled, cut, permed, and worked her magic as a beautician for many years.  In addition to being a beautician, she supported her husband Don as he operated and grew the family farm.  Her heart was full when she hosted family and friend gatherings, with an aroma in her home of signature dishes:  apple pie, milk gravy, fried chicken, and mashed potatoes. She also loved hosting card nights with her friends, playing countless games of pinochle and rummy. 

Barb was an avid sports fan from watching her beloved STL Cardinals to college basketball and tennis. She was passionate about her grandchildren’s extracurricular events and could always be heard from the crowd cheering them on as their biggest fan while also giving the referees and umpires a hard time.  Barb loved being on the go from traveling with her husband and friends to many different states, shopping, dining at restaurants, gambling at casinos and attending quilt bingos.  Over the years, she collected many beautiful quilts that she treasured.  Barb kept a well-maintained yard full of beautiful flowers and loved to watch the hummingbirds. red birds, and deer visit her property.

Barb will be remembered as “Grandma Barbie”, the strong infectious loving woman who was so kind, generous, and always willing to help.  She will be deeply missed by so many.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Sandoval with Father Patrick Peter officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in rural Sandoval. A visitation time to offer condolences to the family will be held from 5:00 P.M to 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia and from 8:30 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at the funeral home in Centralia. Those in attendance are asked to wear a mask and observe social distancing per the CDC guidelines.   Memorials may be made in Barb’s honor to the Sandoval Fire Department or the St. Lawrence Knights of Columbus.  Online condolences and memories of Barb may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

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