Barbara Barnum

Barbara Jean (Phillips) Barnum, 91, of Eau Claire, WI, left her earthly body on Thursday, March 7, 2019 at Eau Claire Mayo Clinic Health Systems with her two daughters by her side.

Barbara was born on April 28, 1927 in Eau Claire, WI. She was the daughter of the late Earl and Grace (Klink) Phillips. Barbara was married to John L. Barnum on April 7, 1948. They resided in Eau Claire, WI and were life partners for 54 years until John’s death in June of 2002.

After raising her six children, Barbara returned to her career as a telephone operator for AT&T. After her retirement, she loved spending her summers at her home on the Chippewa River, going for pontoon rides and enjoying her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She spent her winters in the sunny warm weather of Sun City, Arizona. She was an avid seamstress, painter, ceramicist and quilter. Many family and friends were gifted with her works of art.

She is survived by her children, Dennis (Debby) Barnum of Madison, Catherine (John) Dunn of Eau Claire, Richard (Julie) Barnum of Tempe, AZ, David (Susan) Barnum of Eau Claire, Donald (Dorothy) Barnum of Madison, Joanne (Barnum) Carey of Eau Claire; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister Marie (Phillips) Galde and her brother Robert Phillips.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 am Saturday, March 16, 2019 at Stokes, Prock and Mundt Funeral Chapel, 535 Hillcrest Pkwy. Altoona, WI. Friends and family are welcome to visit from 9 am to the time of service at 11 am. A private family burial will be held following the service.