(née Ebers) Of Menomonee Falls, WI and Naples, FL. Entered Eternal Life March 24, 2026 at the age of 80. Beloved wife of Louis for 56 years. Loving mother of Suzanne (Michael) Burow, David (Rochelle) Miller and Peter (Maria) Miller. Proud grandma (Lola) of Cy, Karina, Sara, Kathryn (Katie), Naomi and Sebastian. Dear sister of Nancy (Norman) Heldberg, Betty Ebers, Mary Ebers, Jeanne (Dan) Schreiber, Michael (Robin) Ebers and Thomas Ebers. She is further survived by 13 nephews and nieces, 13 grandnephews and grandnieces, other family and a multitude of friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Frances Ebers.
Barbara was born and raised in St. Ann, Missouri, and was the oldest of seven children. She attended grammar school at St. Gregory’s Elementary School. Her first job was at the Mother of Good Counsel Nursing Home as a nurse’s aide at the age of 15. She was so influenced by the kindness, empathy, and professionalism of the nuns that, upon graduation from Rosati-Kain High School in 1963, she entered the Franciscan Community of Alton, IL, where she remained for more than five years. During this time, she began her collegiate education at St. Louis University, followed by semesters at Marillac College and Florissant Valley Community College. In December 1968, she returned to secular life but always treasured the education and spiritual training she received from the nuns and maintained a lifelong connection to the community.
On December 20, 1969, she married Louis and they resided in Morton, PA for three years where their first child (Suzanne) was born. She continued her education with classes at Temple University and St. Joseph’s University. In 1973, the family moved to Columbia, MO where Barbara completed her bachelor’s degree in science education from the University of Missouri in May 1974. She delivered their second child (David) three weeks later in June, and that fall started teaching science and math at Sacred Heart Elementary School, staying two years before taking time off to have their third child (Peter) in November 1976.
The Miller family moved to Eau Claire, WI in August 1977, where Barbara started her career as a lab tech at Land O’Lakes. Here she performed a wide variety of microbiological and chemical tests to verify the safety and quality of Land O’Lakes products. Nestle Company purchased the plant in December 1990 and hired Barbara as Quality Control lab manager, overseeing the startup and development of Head Start infant formula. In April 2000, Barbara and Lou moved to Hudson, WI after she rejoined Land O’Lakes at its Arden Hills, MN headquarters, where she worked in R&D developing formulas to improve the nutritional quality of school lunch programs. She retired in August 2007 but in 2012 was enticed to return part time for another five years, where she rekindled friendships and made multiple new ones.
As Barb and Lou found success in their careers, they were able to purchase a small cottage on Axehandle Lake in Chippewa County, WI. The cottage was the site of many family reunions and fun times spent with good friends.
In their retirement years, Barbara and Lou tailored their location to spend time with their grandchildren, living in Hudson, and later Menomonee Falls, WI. In 2013, they purchased a condo in Naples, FL and split their time between FL and WI, traveling often to visit family and friends all over the country.
Barbara maintained a healthy lifestyle (with the exception of the occasional donut, Snickers bar, and MANY ice cream outings) and was an excellent cook. She had a passion for tennis, which in recent years evolved into a love for pickleball, a sport she played several times a week. She was a key member of two tight-knit pickleball communities and built strong friendships, in both Naples and Menomonee Falls. In addition, she endured her regular gym workouts and always got her steps in – while frequently walking and talking with friends and family. She loved to read and enjoyed watching detective shows and British dramas.
On August 27, Barbara was diagnosed with a highly aggressive cancer that invaded her liver and other organs. Though treatments were ineffective, she maintained her sense of humor and positivity. The Miller family would like to express our deep gratitude to the oncologists at Froedtert Cancer Center in Menomonee Falls and especially to the kind and compassionate nurses of the infusion center, where Barbara entered as a patient and left as a friend. We are also most grateful to the team from Horizon Hospice, especially her nurse Cailin, who guided us so that we could keep Barbara at home and comfortable to the end.
Barbara was a friend and mentor, offering sage advice to family and friends throughout her life. She loved her family and treasured her friends (which she made wherever she went), always sharing her time, attention, and love.
Barbara was cremated and services will take place at St. James Catholic Church, W220N6588 Town Line Rd, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051, on Monday, March 30, 2026. Visitation is from 9-11 a.m. with mass at 11 a.m. and a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to one of the following:
Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George
Office of Mission Advancement
1 Franciscan Way
Alton, IL 62002
Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital Foundation | Froedtert & MCW
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