Whitworth

Whitworth

Barbara Jo (Hemken) Whitworth, 44, of New Douglas, Ill., died on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield. Barbara was born Feb. 10, 1979, in Litchfield, the daughter of Paul and Mary Jo (Randle) Hemken, Sr. She married Michael Whitworth on Sept. 29, 2012, at the Salem United Church of Christ in Alhambra, and they have enjoyed nearly 11 years of marriage.

She graduated from Greenville High School with the Class of 1997. Barbara loved the water, camping, and 4-Wheeler riding, but her passion was music. Barbara especially enjoyed listening to 105.7 "The Point", where she won several call-in contests. Family and friends would often hear her call in as "Barb from New Douglas." Of all Barbara's interests, she devoted as much time as possible to her daughters and Michael. She loved her family deeply, and she was loved by all who knew her.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Michael Whitworth of New Douglas; daughters, Cassandra Kenetzer of Livingston, Allison Kenetzer of Benld, and Kirielle Kovaly of Livingston; parents, Mary Jo and Paul Hemken, Sr. of Sorento; brothers, Eldon (fiancée, Karen) Hemken of Sorento, and Rev. Daniel (wife, Kim) Hemken of Clay Center, Kan .; mother-in-law, Donna Lockhart of New Douglas; father-in-law, Danny Whitworth of Alhambra; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her infant twin brothers, James and Joseph Hemken; maternal grandparents, Kenny and Opal Randle; and paternal grandparents, Leslie and Dorothy Hemken.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Sept. 26, at Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home in Sorento with Rev. Daniel Hemken officiating. Interment was at Sunnyside Cemetery in Sorento.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sorento Presbyterian Church, 109 W. Taylor Street, Sorento, IL 62086. Visit http://www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories of Barbara or to offer condolences to her family.