Barbara Ann Rodgers

Barbara Ann Rodgers (Kelch), passed away on Sunday, August 25th, 2024, peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones. Barbara was born on June 30th, 1962, to Lawrence (Bud) and Jaqueline Kelch. Barbara was always a fighter and a patriot, enlisting in the United States Army in 1989, she then deployed to the Middle East to take part in Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1990 to liberate Kuwait after the Iraqi Invasion. While in the service, Barbara met the love of her life, Gregory Rodgers, getting married on June 23, 1995. They were together to the end.

After leaving the Army, Barbara and Gregory set down roots in Belleville, Illinois where they raised three children, Josh, Annie, and Alex. Barbara liked to talk, making friends wherever she went, from waiting in line at the grocery store to sitting on the Metrolink.

Barbara was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, even having a bedroom filled with memorabilia, affectionately known as the “Cardinal room.” After leaving a career in health insurance, she landed her dream job working at Busch Stadium, where she never had to miss a game. Barbara was a loving wife, mother, and MawMaw and is survived by her husband, Gregory Rodgers, her three children, Joshua (Tambra) Gillham, Annie (Eddie) Gillham (Lemay), and Alexander (Megan) Rodgers, and her eight grandchildren, Morgan, Kayden, EJ, Raegan, Rachel, Amelia, Ella, and Jackson. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Lawerence and Jaqueline Kelch, and her brother, Patrick Kelch. Barbara has fought all her life and now is her time to rest.

In honor of Barb the family would like you to wear St. Louis Cardinals or casual attire.

Donations may be made to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.