Barbara Jean Walters (née Iverson) peacefully passed away on November 11, 2025, at the age of 90, after a life devoted to her family and community. A long-time resident of Wheaton and Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Barbara was the heart of her large family and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Even as Alzheimer's gently dimmed her memories in recent years, her loving kindness and warmth remained undiminished.

Barbara was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 32 years, Joseph Walters Jr., and her beloved daughter, Nancy H. Evans (August 29, 2025). She is survived by her children: Cecelia A. Cody, Joseph R. Walters, Greg E. Walters, Rebecca R. Walters, and Johnathan D. Walters.

Barbara was a wonderful mother who always put her family first. Her love and nurturing spirit set a lasting example for her children. She found great joy in watching her eight grandchildren grow and begin their own families. Barbara is also survived by five great-grandchildren.

Born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on May 25, 1935, to Elmer F. Iverson and Helen E. Iverson (née Stubkjaer), Barbara was the youngest of three children, alongside her siblings Elmer Iverson and Phyllis Bush. Her father's career with the BNSF railway meant the family moved frequently throughout the upper Midwest, and Barbara called many places home before adulthood—most notably Brookings, South Dakota; Council Bluffs and Clinton, Iowa; and Green Bay, Wisconsin.

A gifted classical musician, Barbara met her husband in a semi-professional choral group near Green Bay. She attended Elmhurst College and later the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago, majoring in viola and minoring in piano. Throughout her life, she played and taught both instruments, sharing her passion for music with many students and fellow musicians. Barbara was among the first women to perform with the Chicago Businessmen's Orchestra and played for 40 years with the DuPage Symphony Orchestra, where she also served as business manager. She performed with the Salt Creek Sinfonietta, the Senior Suburban Orchestra, and enjoyed playing with chamber groups and the East Meets West Orchestra in the western Chicago suburbs. Music was truly the thread that wove through every chapter of her life.

Barbara was also deeply committed to community service, especially through her involvement in Boy Scouting. She served on the Three Fires Council and directed the Cub Scout Day Camp in Carol Stream and Naperville for several years. In recognition of her dedication to supporting the Boy Scout mission within the Catholic church, she was honored with the St. George Emblem.

Though Barbara's world grew smaller as Alzheimer's took hold, her capacity for love and her gentle spirit never faded. She will be remembered with affection by her large family and many friends.

Visitation will be held at Hultgren Funeral Home in Wheaton on November 21, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. A memorial service will take place at Gary United Methodist Church on November 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Barbara will be laid to rest at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, beside her husband and daughter.

Barbara's legacy of music, service, and unconditional love will live on in all who were fortunate to know her.

Memorial gifts in Barbara's honor may be directed to the DuPage Symphony Orchestra .