Barbara Elizabeth Callan, 81, of Monticello, passed away peacefully at 7:00 pm on December 5, 2024, at White Oak Health Campus in Monticello. Born on July 31, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, she was the beloved daughter of the late Dr. J. Nick and Barbara (Goetz) Esau.

Barbara was a proud graduate of the Loring School for girls in Beverly, Illinois, and furthered her education at Valparaiso University. She married Raymond B. Callan on February 5, 1983, in Chicago, Illinois, and they shared a loving life together until his passing on June 11, 1990.

Barbara was a devoted member of the Monticello Christian Church and dedicated her life to serving others. She worked as a director for in-home healthcare in Chicago and was a wonderful homemaker when she and Raymond moved to Monticello. Her passion for helping others was evident in her work making braille bibles for missionaries for over 20 years. As of January of 1993, Barbara started her new journey with AA, with over 31 years of sobriety. 

Barbara enjoyed playing bridge and cherished her outings with her “lunch brunch” friends. Above all, she treasured the time spent with her family, especially her great-granddaughter, Harley.

She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Buchanan of Monticello; grandson, Chase Monroe of Monticello; great-granddaughter, Harley; brother-in-law, Tommy Callan (companion, Ed McCann) of Los Angeles, California; nephews, Warren Esau, Sean Brady, and Christopher Esau, along with several great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Raymond, her parents, and her brothers, John and Fredric Esau.

Friends may call from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the Fred L. Miller Memorial Chapel at Roscka Roth & Clapper Funeral Home in Monticello.

 A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the Roscka Roth & Clapper Funeral Home, followed by interment at Riverview IOOF Cemetery in rural Monticello.