Barbara Edwards
East Saint Louis | Save
Barbara Edwards, nee Barber, was born on November 11, 1939, in East St. Louis, and passed away at the age of 85. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend whose warmth and kindness touched everyone who knew her.
At just 17 years old, Barbara married the love of her life, Ronald Edwards, and together they shared 54 wonderful years of marriage. They were blessed with two children, Patricia and Ronald, who brought her great joy and pride.
As a devoted grandmother to four grandsons, Barbara cherished time with her family, especially making waffles for her grandsons when they were young, a tradition remembered fondly by all. She was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren, who brought even more joy and love into her life.
Barbara was a woman of deep faith and dedication. She spent many years working in the office at the United Methodist Church, where her gentle spirit and steadfast devotion inspired everyone around her.
In her later years, Barbara faced the challenges of a serious injury that required her to use a wheelchair. Even though she was confined to a wheelchair, she loved looking outdoors and watching birds, finding comfort and joy in nature. Despite the pain and discomfort, she approached each day with remarkable grace, courage, and resilience.
Barbara’s legacy of love, faith, and family will forever be cherished by those who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ronald L. “Duke” Edwards, whom she married on June 8, 1957, and who died on April 9, 2011; her son-in-law, Michael Weidemann; her parents, J.B. and Esther, nee Grace, Barber; and her sister, Marcella “Marcie” (George) Uhl.
Surviving are her daughter, Patricia Weidemann of Lenzburg, IL; her son, Ronald K. (Jeannie) Edwards of Belleville, IL; four grandchildren, Michael C. (Jessica) Weidemann, John E. (Misty) Weidemann, Jason G. (Amy) Weidemann, and William Seel; eight great-grandchildren, Ben Weidemann, Megan Weidemann, Genna Weidemann, Gracie Weidemann, Cadie (Scott) Weidemann, Hallie Crawford, nee Vinyard, Hattie Vinyard, and Kaylee Jeremias; and two nephews, Skip (Nancy) Uhl and Jeff (Linda) Uhl.
Memorials may be made to Union United Methodist Church, Belleville, IL. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Union United Methodist Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Union United Methodist Church, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Dr. Joseph Scheets officiating.
Private burial will be at a later date.
Renner Funeral Home
