Barbara “Barby” Kreisle Unser, 81, of Highland, IL died September 24, 2017 while in hospice care at Hitz Memorial Home in Alhambra, IL. following a six month struggle with cancer. Barbara was born on March 12, 1936 in Hawesville, KY. She was the sixth of nine children born to the late Darwin George and Esther Belle Mosbey Kreisle. Maternal grandparents were the late James Harrison “Harry” and Mary Washington “Eva” Sipes Mosbey. Paternal grandparents were the late Charles Magnus and Carolina “Carrie” Barbara Sandleben Kreisle.

Barby was predeceased by her first husband, Curtis Franklin Wardrip, a daughter, Angela Wardrip Cox, parents and grandparents, sisters Evelyn Kreisle DeLong and Mary Kreisle Buck and brothers George Edward, Karl, Donald, Charles Harrison and Darwin Joseph Kreisle.

Barby attended Beechmont High School in Hawesville, KY and later attended Bellermine College in Louisville, KY where she raised her 2 daughters. While living in Louisville, KY, Barby stayed involved in the lives of her daughters by volunteering at their school, being an active member or leader in school associations, functions and extra-curricular activities. She enjoyed teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School Classes at their church. Following the time spent rearing her children she worked as a photo re-toucher, an assistant art teacher, and in sales for a local steel company. In Owensboro, KY, she worked as an ad salesperson for WKCM radio station. In St. Louis, MO Barby worked for a department store, then she went into furniture sales. In Highland, IL, Barby served as a caregiver for seniors before she retired.

Barby is survived by her loving daughter Tina Wardrip Pepito of Pennsylvania; her sister Sandra Kreisle Murphy of Florida and five adult grandchildren: Brandon Pepito, Brittany Pepito, and Bailey Pepito of Pennsylvania, Tyler Cox and Aspen Cox of North Carolina. She is also survived by fourteen nieces and nephews, her sister-in-law Patsy Kreisle Tableman and brother-in-law Billy Buck, both of Hawesville. Also, she has three surviving cousins. Barby leaves behind her lifelong and beloved friend Juanita King Wimmer of Hawesville; her dear Louisville friends Barbara Kincaid Bess and Arnie Levin. In the Highland area, she leaves her longtime friends Arletta Clarke, Sara Boehler, and the Stieb Family, as well as many friends she had fondly come to know over the years.

The family extends sincere appreciation to the staff of Hitz Memorial Home in Alhambra, IL for the kind attention to their loved one during her stay in hospice care. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider donating to the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, or to your local hospice organization.

A private gathering of family and friends to memorialize and celebrate Barby's unique life will be held at a future date.

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