Barbara J. Arnold

Age 85 of Morris, Illinois, passed away Sunday, May 18, 2025 at her home with her family by her side.

Born June 5, 1939 in Morris, Barbara Jean was a daughter of Julius and Victoria (Claypool) Petersen. She was raised in Morris and attended Morris schools. Barb married Wayne Arnold in 1957 and later divorced, and she then married Richard McLaughlin on June 19, 1989 in Orlando, Florida. They made Florida their home for most of their married life until Richard passed away in 1999. Barb then remarried her first husband, Wayne, in Elko, Nevada, and together they moved to their mountain home in Bonanza, Oregon. After Wayne's passing, she resettled in her hometown of Morris, Illinois.

Barb was very active over the years with the American Legion in both Florida and with Post 217 in Streator, Illinois. She loved being outdoors, taking great pleasure in camping and traveling. Barb also enjoyed country music and going to car shows, but above all else was her love and devotion to her family.

Survivors include one sister, Lois Wicks of Morris, two special nieces, Dianne (the late Gerald) Zullo and Tina (Bill) Atkinson, both of Morris, Illinois, and one special nephew, Bob Petersen (Kelli Weber) of Morris, Illinois; two step daughters, Shawn and Patty McLaughlin of Florida, as well as their extended family; and several nieces and nephews.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents and her two husbands; two brothers: Paul (Hazel) Petersen and Bob (Bonnie) Petersen; and four sisters: Helen (Frank) Rogers, Ann Henry, Alice (Peter) Matuszewski, and Phyllis (Larry) Kenney.

The family will receive friends at Fruland Funeral Home, 121 West Jefferson Street, in Morris on Friday, May 23, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Streator, Illinois.

The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude to Dr. Bradley Lawton, and to Dena, Gina, and especially Tori Ellis for their wonderful care and compassion, and finally to her devoted caregiver, Kim.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Barb's memory to Lightways Hospice or to the Morris American Legion Post 294.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.FrulandFuneralHome.com to sign the guestbook, upload photographs and share Barb’s memorial page online through social media.

Services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Morris, Illinois (815/942-2500)