Barbara J. Moellering

Barbara J. Moellering, 88, of Rock Island, Illinois, died Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Silvis Center, Silvis, Illinois.

Per her wishes, there will be no services. Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, Illinois, under the direction of Cremation Society of the Quad Cities. She will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at Greenview Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.

Barbara Jean Holland was born December 10, 1936, at the Sterling Public House in Sterling, Illinois, the daughter of Wilfred H. Otto Holland and Sophia H. Burmeister. She grew up across from the hospital on 2nd Avenue and graduated from Sterling Township High School in 1954.

A proud Senior Girl Scout, she earned many badges and created treasured memories with her troop. She also attended regional conferences in Rock Island in 1953 and 1954, where she stayed with her friend Nancy Wilson and family. It was during one of those visits, in April 1954, that Nancy and a friend arranged a blind date for Barbara to the Fort Armstrong Theatre. Her date was William “Bill” Jens Moellering, her future husband. Though no one expected them to meet again, Bill returned to Sterling that Mother's Day with a friend to find her. From that point on, they wrote to each other daily, and he visited nearly every weekend. Bill proposed in December 1954, and they were married on March 13, 1955, at Rock Falls Christian Church, officiated by Reverend Harry Schiffer.

Barbara and Bill built a beautiful life together in Rock Island. They built their home in 1957 and raised five children: Barb (Lonnie), Judy (Jerry), Cheryl (Robert), William M., and Kenneth (the late Evelyn). Barbara was a grandmother to eleven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter due in October. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bill; her parents; her siblings, Robert and Dorothy; and nephews, Tim and John.

Barbara and Bill were active in their community as block captains with the Community Caring Conference and were members of the Caterpillar Camping Club and Fort Armstrong Campers & Hikers. Barbara volunteered with RSVP and enjoyed knitting baby hats for Trinity and winter accessories for South Rock Island Township. She was involved in PTA throughout her children’s school years, from Frances Willard Elementary to Franklin Junior High.

A longtime member of Memorial Christian Church, Barbara sang in the choir, served in the kitchen, and was active in the Dorcas Circle and Craft Club. She and Bill rarely missed their grandchildren’s football games, baseball games, and choral concerts.

Barbara had a love for music, taking piano and organ lessons, and found joy in singing and playing. She treasured her home garden, much of which was started from flowers and trees given by her parents. Together, she and Bill traveled across the United States, creating lasting memories.

In later years, she found companionship and support from her friends at C.A.S.I. in Davenport, especially Sandi. She was also grateful for the enduring friendship of Joy and Betty Sr. in Illinois, as well as the kindness and support of caring neighbors like C.J., who were there for her after Bill’s passing in 2019.

Barbara often said she had a good life. She is now free from pain and reunited with her loved ones.

Think of her when you sing a song or hear music, she’ll be smiling.

Condolences may be shared at CremationQC.com.