Barbara Jean Marie Sanders, 76, of Moline, passed away Thursday, August 27, 2026 at UP Trinity, Bettendorf.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials in Barbar Jean’s honor may be made to the Moline Public Library or a library of the donor’s choice or the Boy Scouts of America.

Barbara Jean, affectionately known as BJ by many, was born February 17, 1950, in Rock Island, the daughter of William and Betty (Bjornson) Buckley. She attended school in East Moline and graduated from Rincon High School in Tucson, Arizona. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Iowa. She worked for many years in the Rock Island Treasurer’s office.

She married Larry E. Sanders and together they had three children. Larry died March 2, 2016.

BJ was an avid reader and belonged to several book clubs. She enjoyed traveling and visiting places around the world. BJ was active in the Boy Scouts serving as a den leader for Cub Scouts, Assistant Scout Master for several troops, working at summer camp, and earning her Wood Badge beads.

BJ’s many talents are well remembered and treasured by family and friends. She was the family mint maker for weddings and other events, knitted potholders and dishrags, made baby blankets, and many costumes, dresses, and other projects to help her family.

Barbara Jean is survived by her children, Wade (Crystal) Sanders of Galesburg, Illinois and their children, Walter, Christiopher and Amanda; Elizabeth (Ben) Knight of Ferndale, Washington and their children, Evan, Lauren, Lilliana, Sephina, and Aden; and Wulfgar Daniel (Sharnette) of Moline, Illinois and their children, Myles, and Danyella. Also surviving is her sister, Elizabeth Clark (Jerry) Glogowski, and brothers, William (Beverly) Buckley, Carl (Sandra) Clark, Michel (Karen) Clark and Gregory Clark and many nieces and nephews.