Barbara Jean Paape

Barbara Jean Paape, nee Richardson age 94, of Crete, IL, passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Beloved wife of the late Melvin C. Paape Sr. Loving mother of Melvin C. Paape Jr., Valerie (late John) Harrell, Michael (Teresia) Paape, Vanessa Paape-Young, and Myron Paape. Cherished grandmother of 15 Grandchildren, 4 Step-Grandchildren, 16 Great-Grandchildren. Preceded in death by siblings; Arnold Richardson, Clarence Richardson, Glenn Richardson, Charles Richardson, Marie Mattera, Yvonne Luhman, and parents; Charles and Jessie Marie Richardson. Barbara retired after working many years as a deli manager at Jewel Foods and Seehausen’s Food Center. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Visitation Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Smits-Steger Memorial Chapel 3045 Chicago Rd. Steger, IL. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 26, 2025, 2:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church 1393 Elizabeth St. Crete, IL. Interment Monday, January 27, 2025 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery Crete, IL. Further information visit smitsfh.com or call 708-755-6100.