Barbara H. Rohde

Barbara Rohde, age 90, of Geneva, passed away Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Bria of Geneva after a long battle with dementia. 

She was born November 12, 1935, in Lawrence, Kansas, daughter of James and Belva Merle (Blaylock) Holladay.

Barbara was the middle child and according to family lore, she was a “perfect” child, never getting into any trouble. She was homecoming queen as a senior while attending Lawrence Memorial High School and graduated in 1953. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Kansas in 1957 and was a proud member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. 

She married a fellow Jayhawk, Ted Rohde, in December 1957. They had 3 daughters, Teresa, D’Ann and Gretchen, and raised their family in South Bend, Indiana. Barbara was a homemaker for many years and returned to nursing for several years before moving to Geneva, IL in 1975. She joined Geneva Lutheran Church and was a member for 50 years. She was a dedicated quilter and self appointed “boss” of the quilting group. 

Barbara worked as a surgical nurse for more than 20 years at both Community Hospital and Delnor Community Hospital at the “new” location on Randall Road. After separating from Ted in 1980, she met Rudy Chalupa. They loved to play golf, dance and travel, cruising all over the world.

Barbara is survived by her daughters Teresa Rohde (Robert Weaver) of Colorado, D’Ann Rohde of Nevada, son-in-law Dave Mathews of New Mexico and Gretchen (Scott) Oftedahl of St. Charles, IL; grandchildren Christopher (Kim) Rohde, Courtney (Larry) Moore, Taylor (Mimi) Mathews, Emma Mathews, Hunter Oftedahl, Cheyanne Oftedahl; great-grandchildren Joshua and Luke Rohde, Josephine and Anastasia Moore; and brother Gary Holladay of Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Jimmie Lee. 

Barbara’s wish was to donate her body to science to allow health care students to further their training. She did not desire a celebration of life or memorial service, but the family hopes you will think of her as you enjoy Portillo’s or a DQ sundae. 

Arrangements handled by Malone Funeral Home in Geneva.  For information 630-232-8233 or www.malonefh.com. 

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