Rita Ann Barlow

Rita Ann Barlow, 75, of Pleasant Plains, died at 1:07 a.m. on Friday, September 5, 2014 at Memorial Medical Center. Rita was born September 5, 1939 in Springfield, the daughter of Stephen and Esther Hammon Flesch. They preceded her in death. She married John E. "Jack" Barlow on June 26, 1965 at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Springfield. He preceded her in death on February 18, 2014. Rita was a graduate of St. Agnes Grade School and the Salutatorian for the 1957 graduating class for Sacred Heart Academy. She also graduated from Springfield College in 1992 and worked for the U.S. Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, until her retirement in 1997. Rita also worked part-time for Manpower at various state agencies. She was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society, Alpha Iota Sorority, and Bunco Club. She enjoyed crocheting, reading, Sudoku puzzles, gardening, journaling, spending time with her family, playing cards, and bird-watching, especially cardinals. Rita is survived by her children, John E. (Dawn) Barlow, Jr. of Alexandria, VA, Stephen J. Barlow of Pleasant Plains, Patricia M. Barlow of Springfield, Rita L. (Mick) Cronister of Pleasant Plains, Michael J. Barlow of Springfield, Christina A. (Lance) Barlow-Flynn of Springfield, and Robert A. Barlow of Pleasant Plains; ten grandchildren, Alicia N. Barlow, Zachary M. Cronister, Kyle J. Cronister, Kari C. Beckum, Sean Barlow, Jacob C. Cronister, Samantha R. Faith, Savannah Flynn, Philip J. Barlow, and Landon A. Flynn; one great-grandchild on the way; brother, Robert L. (Wanda) Flesch of AZ; and several other extended family members. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2014 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N. Amos Ave., Springfield, with Rev. Robert J. Jallas celebrant. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to: Sacred Heart-Griffin Scholarship Fund, 1200 W. Washington, Springfield, IL 62702.