Barbara C. Rinehardt

Barbara grew up in Batesburg, SC with her sister, Linda Whitman, and her parents, Bill and Grace Cockrell. She earned her high school diploma through the Adult Education Center in Newberry, SC, and later continued learning by taking courses in Introduction to Microcomputers—practical training that supported her work as a bookkeeper and office manager and reflected the steady diligence she brought to everything she did.

Over the years, Barbara worked at Anderson Hosiery Plant in Prosperity SC, Dickert Lumber Company in Newberry, SC, and Shealy Trucking Company in Newberry, SC. She later worked at Finance Central in Columbia, SC, beginning part-time in 2000. After retiring in 2017, she returned to Finance Central this past Sept 2025 on a full-time basis. She loved going back to work at 83, and until her cancer returned, it put a spark in her step—an example of the work ethic and spirited presence that so many came to admire.

Barbara shared 35 years of marriage with her spouse, Wayne Rinehardt. She was beloved by her family, and her love was expressed with an unmistakable warmth and a personality that filled a room. She is survived by her daughter, Tambi (Jimmy) Nida; granddaughters, Jessica Nida and Kristen (Tyler) Held; and great grandchildren, Lincoln and Beckham Held. She is also survived by her grandson, Shawn (Linsay) Carnes and great granddaughter, Laney Carnes; granddaughter, Jennifer (James) Craig and great grandsons Jameson and Greyson Craig; and grandson Brandan (Anne) Carnes and great granddaughters Blakeley and Teagan Carnes. Barbara was preceded in death by her daughter, Lynn Foose.

Barbara is also survived by her sister, Linda (Dennis) Whitman; niece, Angie (Gene) Hartley; great nephew, Colton (Nicole) Hartley; great-great nephew, Easton Hartley; niece Bevin (Craig) Metts; great niece Gracelyn (Luke) Marriner; great niece, Madison (Billy) Amick; nephew, Channing (Kim) Whitman; great niece, Lexie Whitman; and great nephew, Dylan Whitman.

She is also survived by her stepdaughter, Rhonda (Marty) Watkins; step grandson, Michael (Destany) Watkins and step-great grandson, Henry; step grandson, Ryan Watkins; stepson Rodney Rinehardt; and step grandson, Luke Rinehardt.

A woman faithful to her church, Barbara attended Saluda River Baptist Church regularly, serving on committees and as a greeter, and previously working in the nursery when she was younger. Her faith was not merely spoken but lived—steady, sincere, and evident in the way she showed up for others.

Barbara’s generous spirit was woven into daily life. She was the caretaker in the family no matter the family member’s age—whether it was telling her 63 year old daughter Tambi not to drive back in the dark, reminding her sister Linda that she needed to stop working in the yards, or “hinting” to Kristen that she needed to put socks on the baby’s feet. She gave freely and without hesitation; if someone admired a top she was wearing, she would take it off and give it away. When Barbara loved you, she loved you fiercely, with a devotion that made people feel safe, seen, and deeply cherished.

Barbara found joy in the familiar comforts of home and the fellowship of friends. She loved listening to gospel music, telling Alexa nightly to play her favorites as she drifted off to sleep. She looked forward to attending gospel singing at various churches with a small group from her church 2–3 times a month, and she treasured time with her church friends—often going out to eat after church and enjoying shopping together. She also enjoyed watching westerns on TV (preferably Gunsmoke), as well as Hallmark movies and many of the shows on TV Land and FETV. Above all, she loved her family and valued every opportunity to be together, whether through visits at home or trips back to NC with her daughter.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Barbara’s close friends and family who ensured she was not alone and that she was loved beyond measure in the weeks in the hospital leading up to her death. A special thanks is offered to the MSA Hospice staff, who were not only comforting to Barbara but to her family as well—always available, caring, and providing guidance in her care to ensure a pain free transition.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Saluda River Baptist Church, 3459 Sunset Blvd, West Columbia, SC 29169, with a memorial service to follow at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fred Hutch Merkel Cell Carcinoma Research (https://merkelcell.org/join-the-fight/donate/) or to MSA Hospice Care at 171-A Monroe Lane Lexington, SC 29072.

“Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your master.” Matthew 25:23