Katherine “Rita” Barbeau, of Caseyville, IL was born June 20, 1951. She passed away peacefully May 26, 2025 at Collinsville Nursing Home. Rita grew up in Caseyville Township on her parents’ small ranch. She attended St. Albert the Great Grade School and O’Fallon Township High School. Rita married Juan (Woody) Woods and had two wonderful children, Jody and Leah, whom she adored. They later divorced.
Rita was a woman with a strong Christian faith, a sweet loving soul. She loved to read, watch movies and spend time with her family, her many furry friends and her devoted friends over the years. Rita was a proud and dedicated mother. She loved being a pre-school teacher for many years at Tri City Park Tabernacle. Rita loved taking care of others. She took care of her aging parents for many years in their home until their passing.
After Rita’s parents both passed she moved to Knollwood Assisted Living where she was a favorite of the staff. As her health declined over the last year, she moved to Collinsville Nursing Home, and again was a staff favorite. Her daughter Leah oversaw her care for many years, making sure she was getting the best.
Surviving to cherish her memories are her children, Jody Woods and Leah Woods, both of Granite City, IL; her grandson, Devin Woods of Collinsville, IL; her great grandson, Sebastian Woods, of Collinsville, IL; her brother, Jay Barbeau of Belleville, IL; her sister, Renee (Bryan) Bowser, of Idaho Falls, ID; two wonderful aunts, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Rita was preceded in death by her brother, Jim Barbeau; her parents, Bill and Mary Liz Barbeau; her sister, Judy Kennon; and her grandson, Darian Woods.
Rita’s remains will be buried right next to her parents. Burial services will be held June 20th at Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery in Belleville, IL. A luncheon will be held after at Fletcher’s in Swansea, IL, for all family and friends that would like to visit and share their memories of Rita (The family asks that each person take care of their own lunch expenses). In leiu of flowers a donation may be made to Leah Woods to help with funeral expenses.
Thessalonians 4:13-14
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
Job 19:25-27
But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God!I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!
