Barbara J. Andreas, 94

Mrs. Barbara J. Andreas, age 94, passed away peacefully with dignity on Thursday, June 22, 2023, in her hometown of Woodstock, surrounded by her family.

Born to Charles and Charlotte Tryon in 1929, she was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, sports lover, and musician, playing baritone in the Woodstock and Crystal Lake community bands. Barb and her husband, Ernest “Ernie,” owned Royal Oaks Museum of Antiques in Crystal Lake, where she worked as a bookkeeper, using her talents for organization and attention to detail.

She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who kept track of everything in life and was wise beyond her years. A descendant of early pioneers in McHenry County and patriots out East, Barb also was the family historian for her and her husband’s families. Those who knew Barb would agree that she was a woman of impeccable strength, spirit, and principle. A pillar of encouragement, Barb was a good friend, answering questions and sharing her heart with stories of her life adventures with a quick wit, contagious laugh, and vivacious smile.

She will be remembered as a woman who fiercely loved Jesus and enjoyed spending time with those she loved. When the going got tough, her tagline became, “Come On, Barbara!” Until the end, she courageously faced adversity head-on.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 42 years, Ernest C. Andreas; brother, Robert Tryon; sister, Phyllis Rogers; two nephews; and several sisters and brothers-in-law.

Barb is survived by her loving children, Tryon “Larry” Andreas (Patty), Jim Andreas (Mary), and Andrea Bellhouse (Russell); stepchildren, Ernest F. Andreas (Peggy) and Nikki Johnson (Thor); four grandchildren, Marra Andreas, Nick Andreas (Kiley), Sarah Wille (Chad), Amy Rose Weber (Kalen); stepgrandchildren, Kent Andreas, Bryn Andreas, Eric Andreas, and Tor Johnson; and several great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

A private burial was held on Friday, June 30, at Oakland Cemetery, Woodstock. A celebration of life will be held for family and friends on Sunday, July 30, 2023. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in her memory to two organizations: the Walworth County American Legion (please note donation for the Citizenship Scholarship) and the Crystal Lake Community Band (please note donation is in memory of Barb Andreas). 

Walworth County American Legion, c/o American Legion Post 45, P.O. Box 501, Elkhorn, WI 53121

Crystal Lake Community Band, P.O. Box 684, Crystal Lake, IL 60039