Cathy Rainbolt

Cathy Rainbolt, born Dec. 27, 1989 died Sunday, July 26, 2015.

Cathy is smiling with God now. This beautiful girl, with a smile to warm hearts of all who met her. A kindness in her soul and a spirit that was like sunshine breaking through the clouds.

Cathy's story is her own. A tragedy. Her life was mixed with human suffering and laughter. A family faced with domestic violence, she was placed in foster care at the age of three. Separated from her sisters, not given the love that all children deserve and need. Foster care is supposed to be foster parenting. Parenting is supporting the physical, emotional, social, financial and intellectual development of a child from infancy to adulthood. Foster care is not supposed to be belittling, the child is not supposed to be your free worker bee.

She was removed from her foster home and placed into a home in Centerville, Ill., out of her own home town, I, Nicki Lorene Friedeck adopted Cathy, at the age of 17. She continued on at her regular high school. I also got the fun job of trying to teach her how to drive. Believe me, an amazing experience. Having been neighbors for the prior eight years, Cathy was always over at our home. Almost every day, just a little stop by to say "Hi", exchange some love and then off she'd go. After her 18th birthday I had her emancipated. We had a love for each other but not the mother/daughter bond I wish we had. Thinking "Tough Love" is the answer, I've learned, it's important to be tough on the bad behavior but still showing love at every single chance.

Cathy's hell was here on earth. She didn't have that self-belief to find her passion. No wonder there is a saying; "Drugs are not the problem, drugs were the solution to her problem."

Thanks to all who tried to love and help my wonderful adopted daughter. To all you children in foster care, seek out those good teachers and counselors at your school, find friends to encourage you, and please find your passion. What makes you happy- that is your passion. Do it! Don't waste your life and don't let Cathy's death be in vain. Chances are most everyone needs help, go and get yours.

Cathy is survived by her beautiful son, Chase; her birth mom, Rachele Putnum; siblings, Monica Putnum, Jade Sanders, Kyle, Barbara and Nicholas Dach and Steven Madden.

Cathy's adopted parents, Mark Stieren, Nicki Friedeck and Stu Wyatt; adopted sisters, Elyse, Cherise, Hannah and Janae Rainbolt.

Special thanks to Joe, Carla, Kassly Funeral Home, and Cathy's CASA worker.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.kasslyfuneral.com.

Funeral: Back to that word tragedy, human suffering with an audience having pleasure in viewing. Because of this, we have kept the funeral private. Cathy is buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, in Fairview Heights, Ill., a graveside service was held on Friday, July 31, 2015.

KASSLY MORTUARY, Fairview Heights, Ill.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Belleville News-Democrat on Aug. 2, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Cathy Rainbolt

26 Entries

Jason Bonn

December 22, 2019

Was thinking about you today. Can't believe it has been 4 years now that you've been gone. Doesn't seem that long. Still miss you and think about ya. Wish you were still here.

July 20, 2016

Thinking about you tonight Cathy. Theres not a day that goes by that I dont think about you. Forever in my heart. Sarah.

Jason Bonn

July 19, 2016

Hey there Cathy. Just wanted to say I was thinking about you today. Hard to believe it has been a year since you found peace. Hope you like the flowers I left for you. RIP sweetie. Keep smiling at me. I'll never forget you. xoxo

Jason Bonn

February 15, 2016

Was just thinking about you again, Cathy. Still miss ya. Wish you were here. Happy belated B-Day.

manuel perez

February 4, 2016

I believe I first met Kathy in 7th grade at MCS.

she Was a kind and quiet soul.it didn't matter Tha color of your skin, nor the type of person you were. She showed you kindness. I have just recently heard about Kathy's passing and indeed it does not feel real we were not best friends it does feel like she helped shed light on my life.
I remember her to hate violence she could not stand to see two people fight if there was a three on one fight she would be the one breaking it up not the idiot Filming it.

I do remember the last words she said to me about 6 years ago in 2010 she said manny don't do drugs they're bad. if I could have seen her do anything in her life to Suceed into any career, I would have seen her as a counselor because she was always there to listen to your problems and she would never hesitate to sit down with you at the time our mutual friends were Julian Schneider, Brittany Stephens, brandy midina, and Charlie Kaemmerer.kathy was above all a terrific person. And a wonderful friend.

Monica. Putman

October 31, 2015

I love and miss you ..had a dream about you I hope your in a better place...love your sister Monica..

Jason Bonn

October 20, 2015

Hey Cathy, was thinking about you today. Driving down that road you used to walk. Still catch myself looking for you. Miss you sweetie. Just wanted to stop by and let you know my thoughts are with you. Smile at me through the veil will ya. Love ya! xoxo

Monica. Putman

September 27, 2015

Thinking about you to day love your sister Monica

Rachele

September 18, 2015

Love you Cathy .....love your mom Rachele ....

Monica.

September 18, 2015

Thinking about you ...Cathy love Monica

Monica.

September 17, 2015

I love you Cathy ..your sister Monica

Wayne M LaQuet

August 10, 2015

I have never met Cathy, but her story is all too familiar. I hope she rests in peace now!!!!!

Kristen crowl

August 8, 2015

Cathy you will be missed by all our family. Travis sends his Love.Fly High Gorgeous

Suzanne Dollar

August 4, 2015

God is with this beautiful young woman. All the pain and suffering, hardship, ugliness she had in her short life is now gone. She may not have lived with her birth mother but when she was part of her life the last few years, Cathy knew she was loved and wanted. Stand with God Cat. You will never have to fear, hurt, be ill or ever have sadness again.
~ Suzanne

Elise

August 3, 2015

Although Cathy was a troubled spirit, she always shared the light she held inside with others. Wish we could have shared more of our light with her, and alleviated her pain. My deepest sympathies to her family.

Kara Black

August 3, 2015

Cathy I will always remember meeting you in 7th grade. U were such a quite nice easy going kind of person.. We had tons of fun together. I know u have been through a lot but now may ur soul rest in peace with no more sorrows! Wish we would of hung out more after highschool. I will always remember u.. glad I have the tattoo on my back of the flower u drew up for me now everytime I see it it will remind me of u N how much of a great person u were. Watch over me N my babies u will b missed.. my heart N prayers go out to her foster parents, her son, N any other loved ones she had! ♡♡♡

Jason Bonn

August 2, 2015

Miss you Cathy. It is my wish that you are finally at peace. I'll always remember the good times hanging out with you, riding around listening to music, and talking about anything your heart desired. You always had a smile for me and I'd like to think I was a small bright spot in your dark times. I'm sorry I couldn't do more to help you through your pain.Thank you for your friendship and may your immortal spirit grace us from time to time. You may be gone, but you'll NEVER be forgotten. Rest in Peace.

Antonette Badami

August 2, 2015

Nicki and all family, my prayers are with you. I feel a depth of thanks for the love Cathy received from Nicki and the family as being on the receiving end of Nicki's positive energy is always a gift. The lovely Cathy is now Spirit and free of her pain. She has touched my heart.

Savannah Roesch

August 2, 2015

We lived next to Cathy on Frank Scott & we were all friends with her. I bought her her prom dress & got her all dolled up because she just wasn't going to go. I remember how happy & beautiful she looked that day. She was such a sweet girl but so troubled. I was so so saddened to hear she's gone. I pray for all who are grieving, especially her baby boy. May you rest in peace sweet angel Cathy.

Love Always,
Savannah Jake Brenden & Donovan

Sarah

August 2, 2015

My heart goes out to Cathy and everyone that loved her. I remember hanging out with her when we were younger in grade school then high school and seeing her weeks before she passed....My heart just broke for her. I'm really at a loss of words and if anyone knows someone that has gone through a similar situation to hers in honor of Cathy let them know they are worthy of love and they are not alone. Give them a hug to show them you care. As a former Foster Child and then adopted.I understand what its like to have people around you and still feel alone. I wish there was a way to put it in words but theirs not... Your free from all the hurting you were going through Cathy your free as a bird now...RIP Sister

Another caring stranger

August 2, 2015

You sound like the person who loved her the most in her life and taught her more than she was ever able to show you but she knew and felt that love.

a stranger

August 2, 2015

look at the obituaries each day to see if I or my father has lost a loved one or a friend. Many of these are old and I'm glad fortheir lives. Some, like Cathy are young and I'm saddened by thier death. I rarely read them but this one caught my eye. It's plain to see she was deeply loved. May God bless her and those who morn her passing.

McKenzi

August 2, 2015

I had to see this to believe it! I will always have great memories of our time in highschool. Fly high girl! U will be missed!

August 2, 2015

We met Cathy when she wandered into our shop recently. Sadly troubled but the sweet person was still there. Our prayers. Sharon

Trish and Ken Brown

August 2, 2015

How sad to hear another story of a young life gone because she felt that hopelessness. Our family can sympathize and understand the sorrow and pain. 24 years ago we lost our brother to the violence that went along with the drug world. He at the time was about to be a father. A young son born never knowing his father. Sadly that son, 20 years later, took his own life by overdosing on herion. We are so sorry for your loss, but know she had some peace for having your family in her life. You will be in our prayers. God bless you in your time of sorrow.

A Caring Stanger

August 2, 2015

So sorry for your loss. She is resting now.

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