Dateline: Alton

Marjorie Ann Barban, 81, died at 9:22 p.m. Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Alton Memorial Hospital.  Born April 6, 1936 in Harrisburg, IL, she was the daughter of William and Delores (Debes) Zimmer.  On June 21, 1958 she married Jack L. Barban in Harrisburg, IL.  He preceded her in death on February 8, 1994.  Marjorie earned a Bachelor's Degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and a Masters Degree in education from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. She was an educator with a lifelong love of teaching and learning, and she worked as teacher throughout Madison County over more than 40 years. She retired in 1999 as a teacher of 8th grade English from the East Alton Wood River School District.

She was a devoted member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey, serving as a Lector and member of the choir.  She was an active leader in the community, serving with Delta Kappa Gamma, P.E.O. Chapter JZ, Alton Community Service League, the A.A.U.W. and the Caravan Oasis Center for Women, and also served as a volunteer at the Alton Little Theater, Alton Public Library, the Lewis and Clark Historic site in Wood River, and at The National Great Rivers Museum at Melvin Price Locks and Dam. She brought joy and enlightenment to all her works and service, with her hands, voice and heart.

She is survived by four sons, Peter J. Barban (Sandy) of Taipei, Taiwan, Tyler G. Barban of Alton, Andrew W. Barban of Mt. Vernon, IL, and John W. Barban (Shirley) of Stamford, CT, and five grandchildren, Maria, Michael, Carlie, Faith and Isabella Barban.  Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, William and James Zimmer.  A prayer service will begin at 4:00 p.m. followed by visitation until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey.  Father Steven Janoski will officiate.  Burial will be at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Godfrey.

Memorials may be made to Caravan Oasis Center for Women and the The Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Foundation.

Online guest book and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com