Mrs. Norma Jean Barringer Barenkamp

Norma was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church; Belleville, Ill. She was an avid card player and achieved the Life Master Bridge status in 2002.

The cancer that would end her life was first diagnosed in late 2007, but Norma continued to live her life with the same cheerful attitude and spirit that she always displayed. She never complained and remained strong in her faith to the end. Her heart was full of gratitude for the blessings she enjoyed in life and a great inspiration to those fortunate to be around her.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband who were married for 54 years and passed away on March 29, 2010 Charles J. Barenkamp. Her father Vernon C. Barringer, Sr., a brother Vernon C. Barringer, Jr. and a sister Judy Goza.

Surviving are her mother Arlinda E. McElreath, nee Huff; Children Mary Ann (James) Hovis of Swansea, Ill., James (fiancee, Connie Lisch) Barenkamp of Shiloh, Ill., John Barenkamp of Belleville, Ill., and Jeanne Schumm of Webster Groves, MO; granddaughter Katie Hovis; Sisters Sue McMullen, Linda Shirrell, Joyce (Vic) Lanzotti, Beth (Bob) Bauer, Amy (Jim) Stovall.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to Hospice of Southern Illinois especially to her nurse Julie Bartels. As well as the 3 South Staff at Memorial Hospital for the care and compassion extended during this lengthy illness.

Memorials in Mrs. Barenkamp's memory may be made to Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church or to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Online Condolences may be made at www.valhallagardensandfuneralhome.com.

Visitation: Relatives and friends of the family may call upon the family from 3 pm until 7pm on Friday, August 6, 2010, at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, Ill.

Funeral Service: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Belleville, Ill. on Saturday, August 7, 2010 at 11:30 am, with Father Jack McEvilly officiating. Interment will follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, Ill.

Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home