Barbara Jeanne Rinella

IN MEMORY OF: Barbara Jeanne Rinella Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – MURPHYSBORO 1421 Walnut Street, Murphysboro, Illinois Barbara Jeanne Rinella, age 75, of Murphysboro, passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale. She was born on May 4, 1950 to Silas and Freda (Spence) Smith in Long Beach, California. On April 11, 1992, she married Anthony “Tony” Rinella, Jr. and spent over 26 years together until his passing in 2018. She served proudly in the United States Navy. Barbara attended John A. Logan College and participated in the Orchestra. Later she received her nursing degree as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Southern Illinois University. While a student at SIU she was a proud member of the Marching Saluki Band. Barbara worked as a Registered Nurse for 34 years, serving patients at Memorial Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital and the Jackson County Jail all while homeschooling her daughter and then her grandchildren. She also worked at Carbondale Memorial and for Helia Healthcare. Also was the Deputy Headmistress at Apophis Academy. Barbara had also been a teacher and tutor having taught at various places and subjects as well as taught Sunday School. She loved adventure, and was an avid gamer and DnD player. She was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and as a Prayer Minister along with having a Puppet Ministry that her daughter helped with, ministering at several local churches. Barbara had a Blue Belt in Karate, was a leader for the Boy and Girl Scouts, was a cake decorator, seamstress, painter, writer, and music composer. Barbara even sold Avon and won many sales awards. Survivors include her daughter, Aminda Rinella-Isreal; two grandchildren, Aubriel Rinella-Isreal and Aeva Fisher; siblings, Christine Westbrook, Carolyn Smith, Therese Zolk, Jospeh Smith, and Dennis Smith; along with nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Along with her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her grandson, Matthew Ellis; sister, Marianne Smith; and brothers, John Smith, Christopher Smith, and Silas Smith. Inurnment will be held at St. Andrew Cemetery. The cremation of Barbara Jeanne Rinella will be personally handled by the staff of Crain Funeral Home. Crain Funeral Home in Murphysboro is in charge of arrangements.

Barbara Jeanne Rinella

May 4, 1950 - March 22, 2026