Rita Barham

Age 79 of Coal City, Illinois passed away Friday, May 10, 2024, at Lightways Hospice Home in Joliet, Illinois.

Born January 12, 1945, in Joliet, Illinois, Rita was the daughter of Robert and Norma Ruth (Hoskins) Pfister. She was raised in Coal City until relocating to Harrisburg, Illinois where she graduated from Harrisburg High School with the Class of 1963. Rita married Jerry Barham, and together they made a home and raised their family in Coal City.

A dedicated wife and mother, Rita in addition to maintaining the family home, most recently held employment with Shadow Lakes, where she did marketing and clerical. Rita was a great sports fan, who enjoyed following the Chicago Bears and Cubs, she loved animals. Taking dogs and birds into the family home throughout the years, and she was a true music enthusiast. Rita took pleasure in cooking, collecting bears, and created many happy memories traveling to the tropics.

One who always put others ahead of herself, Rita will be remembered as generous and caring. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh. Family was of utmost importance, and nothing gave her greater joy than becoming a grandmother.

Survivors include her husband, Jerry; two sons: Mark Barham (fiancé, Rose Gabriel) of Elk Grove Village, Illinois, and Greg (Linda) Barham of Plainfield, Illinois; one grandson, Bobby Barham; bonus grandchildren: Joey and Frankie Nagy and Hala Daramjee; one brother, Robert “Bob” (the late Mary) Pfister of Arlington, Texas and one brother-in-law, Michael (Eugena) Barham of Auburn, Illinois, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Rita was preceded by her parents.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 N. Broadway in Coal City on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 1:00 p.m. Deacon Bill Dunn from Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church will preside.

Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wilmington, where Rita will be laid to rest near her parents.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Rita’s memory to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Rita’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. In Coal City. (815-634-2125)