Emily Ruth Barber

Emily Ruth Barber, 29, of Charleston, IL passed away at 5:25 am on Monday March 9, 2026, at her residence.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Monday March 16, 2026, at the Crossroads Community Church: 411 Jackson Ave, in Charleston, IL. The visitation will also be at the Crossroads Community Church on Monday March 16, 2026, from 9:30 to 11:00 am. The burial will be in Mound Cemetery following the service. The Barkley Funeral Chapel in Greenup is assisting the family.

Emily was born on October 2, 1996, in Mattoon IL, to Ron and Annie (Heise) Barber. Survivors include her parents, dog Bella, brothers Jeff Barber (Jessica King) and Jon (Stephanie) Barber; sister Ellyn Barber (Steve Bower); nieces and nephews Ian, Colin, Haven, Kaya, Leona, Natalie, Avery, and Zach. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents Richard (Mary Lou) Barber and maternal grandparents William (Ann) Heise.

Emily was currently working as a CNA at Palm Gardens Nursing Home in Mattoon. Over the past few years, she has worked at various nursing homes in Coles County.

Emily was a ray of sunshine to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Wherever she worked as a nurses' aide, the residents often requested her by name. They felt seen, understood, and genuinely cared for. She often spoke to family members about her passion to see that every resident was treated with dignity sprinkled with humor. She could exchange ice-breaking teases to melt the coldest of souls.
In her best times, she loved her family to a fault. She loved to shower the kids with gifts and toys whenever she could. She often gave more than she had and no matter how she may have felt on a given day, she made sure they felt loved and cared for. She made them feel special.
The photos with family and friends testify that she wrapped herself lovingly around us all while her eyes sparkled like diamonds. Her smile was a beacon that drew every wavering vessel to her. No one who has loved her will ever forget it. She deserved a strong protector in life and her rescue dog Bella was her rock. Bella absorbed so much of the unrest in Emily's heart that she made the darkest days bearable. She went everywhere with Emily. Now she will make her home with Emily's parents where they will bring each other great comfort.
In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to Charleston, IL Crossroads Community Church Outreach Ministry for their unwavering support of those in recovery and struggling with addiction or you can donate to the GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-annie-and-ron-in-memory-of-emily

Online condolences can be expressed at www.barkleyfuneralchapels.com