Barbara (Stein) Cummings was born in Peoria, IL, on July 20, 1949. She spent her childhood in Peoria and after high school, attended Illinois State University. Barbara married Bill Cummings on June 19, 1971, in Peoria. They had one daughter, Margaret "Meg" Cummings.

Her family established the Barbara Cummings Memorial Scholarship Fund at the DeKalb County Community Foundation in December 2002. The scholarship supports a graduating senior from DeKalb High School who intends to pursue a degree in elementary education. The award honors the memory of Barbara each year, continuing her legacy of love and support.