Barbara LaVon Lietsch, 78, of Burlington, died peacefully Monday, June 23, 2025, at her home with her husband by her side.
Born March 13, 1947, in San Diego, Calif., she was the daughter of Robert and Peggy Austen Mitchley. In 1968, she married the love of her life, Tom Lietsch, a sailor in the United States Navy. Together, they built a life, raised two children, Eric and Stacia, and traveled the country, making hundreds of friends along the way.
Barbara was a consummate homemaker who loved to clean, cook, decorate, and collect antiques and treasures. She was kind, generous, and a mother to all. When young sailors on the Navy base were far from their families, she would open her home and invite them in for a home cooked meal.
Her greatest joy was her four grandchildren and her great-grandson. Her fun-loving spirit and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures live on in them.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Tom; her son, Eric (Jennifer) Lietsch of Burlington; her daughter, Stacia (Curt) Mattan of Monmouth, Ill.; her grandchildren, Ming (Tate) Sattler, Mei Lietsch, John Mattan, and Molly Mattan; and her great-grandson, Wesley Sattler. She is also survived by her brother, John Mitchley, and her sisters, Lisa Person and Margaret Bell, along with their families.
She is reunited in heaven with her parents, her baby sister Lorraine, and many loved ones from her large extended family.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
The Graveside Committal Service for Mrs. Lietsch will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at St. Mary's Cemetery in West Burlington. A time of fellowship will be held at the Paddlewheel Lounge following the burial.