Barbara Dubre

Barbara F. Dubre, 86, of Taylorville, IL passed away Sunday, July 12, 2026 in her home. She was born December 7, 1939 in Pana, to the late Anthony J. Mense, Sr. & Lena Jane (Davis) Mense. Barbara and Oliver “Ollie” F. Dubre were married on June 25, 1978 in the Pana Presbyterian Church. He preceded her in death on August 14, 2021.
Barbara graduated from EIU in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree in vocal music education. She worked as a vocal teacher for grades K-12 for 33 years from 1961-1994 in Pana, as well as using her music talents in musicals and singing in church. She was a former member of the United in Faith Church, Pana and a current member of the United Methodist Church in Taylorville. Barb held many memberships, including P.E.O, Senior Citizen Center in Taylorville, Crochet Club and the Greater Decatur Chorale. She enjoyed camping, crocheting, Illini football & basketball and watching all levels of football. While being a snowbird in Florida, Barbara enjoyed bowling, spending time on the beach and being part of the Islanders Singing Group.
Barbara is survived by her children: Dawn (Eric) Beyers, Owaneco, IL; Bruce (Susan) Dubre, Springfield, IL; Paul (Kate) Dubre, Taylorville, IL; Susan Hargrave, Longmont, CO; ; grandchildren: Bart (Ashley) Dubre, Kevin Hargrave, Sarah (Donnie) Conoyer, Joshua (Alison) Beyers, Catherine (Dr. Matt) Hooper, Camille Beyers (fiancé, Derek White); great grandchildren: Samantha Lord, Ryan Lord, Jillian Schooley, Joey Conoyer, Jack Conoyer, Luella Beyers, Celia Beyers, Benjamin Hooper & Oliver Hooper and siblings: Anthony Mense, Jr. and Betty Duez. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, John Mense and Jim Mense and brother-in-law, Charles Duez.
Funeral services for Barbara will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026 in United in Faith Church, Pana at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Leon Goff officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery, Pana. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the church.
Memorials in Barbara’s honor may be made to the Oliver and Barbara Dubre Musical Fund or Senior Center in Taylorville and will be accepted by McCracken-Dean Funeral Home who is assisting the family.
Thank you to Barbara's caregivers, Shelly Gensler & Valerie Gibbs, for all of their love and care and to Morgan Wilbur and all of the girls a Quad County for their help and kindness.