Barbara R. (Shinall) Cawthon

Barbara Ruth Cawthon, age 76 passed away on Saturday November 15, 2025, at Liberty Village in Pittsfield, IL.  She was born on December 24, 1948, in Beardstown, IL to Charles and Elizabeth (Kerr) Shinall.  Barb married Otha ‘Bill’ Cawthon on January 5, 1968, in Quincy, IL and he survives.

Barb was a born again, spirit filled child of God since 1972. She was a member of the Pittsfield Assembly of God Church. Barb loved studying God’s word and listening to Southern Gospel music. She always said the old hymns were a testament to her soul. 

In her younger years she worked as a waitress, at the Glove Factory and Turner’s Donuts while she was living in Beardstown, IL and this is where she met her husband, Bill.  They moved to Pittsfield, and she worked at the Sale Barn Food Shack, then went on to become the supervisor of housekeeping at Liberty Village.  Barb later worked in the office at Pike County Housing and finished her working career at the Cardinal Inn as the cashier.  She enjoyed crafting, woodworking, going to Bingo, rides in the car and loved Elvis.  She especially loved fishing and her time spent camping with Bill.  Barb’s family brought her great joy, and she always attended their activities and supported them fully.  Barb could be a bit feisty, but you could not find a more loving and faithful woman.  Her family knew not to talk to her until she had her two cups of coffee before she could start her day. She will be missed dearly by her family and friends.

Barb is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Bill; children, Michael (Tracie) Cawthon of Macomb, IL, Gary Cawthon of Quincy, IL Bill (Andrea) Cawthon of Rio, IL ad Kimberly (Steve) Huddleston of Pittsfield, IL; twenty-five grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Susie Smith.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Elizabeth Shinall; son Rick Smith; two grandchildren, Carissa Cawthon and Chaise Cawthon; sister, Ellen Ryan; brother David Shinall.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday November 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM with visitation held prior to the service from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, IL.  Interment will follow the service at Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to be made to the Pike County Animal Shelter. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com.  Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, IL is handling the arrangements

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