Barbara Jean Rodney

Dateline: Brighton Barbara Rodney, 76, passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2017, surrounded by the love of her family. Barbara was born the seventh of thirteen children to Joseph and Loretta Taul on July 24, 1940. On October 18, 1958 she married James Vernon Rodney. Together, they started the family that would become the central focus of her life. Serving her family meant everything to Barbara, especially the care for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Through her love Barbara brought her extensive family together. “Family Night,” at her home in Brighton, IL, was a time to enjoy home cooked meals, catch-up, and play games. Most importantly, it was a time for bonding. Barbara’s family is extremely close, and she is at the very center. A devout Catholic and member of St. Alphonsus Church, Barbara believed in service to others. In 1979, Barbara was called to serve as a foster mother through Catholic Charities. Through her compassion and care she impacted the lives of the 35 children whom she cared for over the course of 25 years. Barbara described her time helping children as “a very special time of my life.” Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, four brothers – Joseph (Roy), Dale, Jack, and Jim Taul, and four sisters – Betty Hellrung, Mary Yost, Judy Bland, and Sue Gray. She is survived by her husband, Vernon Rodney, six children and their spouses – Sandra (Kevin) Schwab, Dan (Debbie) Rodney, Kathy (Randy) Forsythe, Mark (Dawn) Rodney, Rebecca (Rob) Reno, and Robert (Angel) Rodney, thirteen grandchildren – Corey, Chris, Ashley, Kari, Jason, Brandon, Lauren, Elizabeth, Lenzi, Dawson, Landon, Trevor, and Alexis, five great-grandchildren – Tyson, Evan, Tristin, Elssie, and Oliver, and four sisters – Shirley Delehanty, Kay Ansell, Delores King, and Jane Heinemeier. Per Barbara’s wishes a memorial Mass will be held at a later date at St. Alphonsus Church – where she was an active member. Barbara lived a life of service, compassion, and care. She will forever remain in the hearts of her family as an example of how to live a life of love. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangement. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

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Barbara Jean Rodney

July 24, 1940 - April 2, 2017