Barbara Ruth Connell

MOUNDS, Ill. -- Barbara Connell, 82, of Mounds died Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015, at her home surrounded by her family.

Barbara was born in Villa Ridge, Illinois, on Jan. 9, 1933, to Robert and Nina (Palmer) Aldrich. She graduated from Mounds Township High School in 1950. She married her high-school sweetheart, Jim "Head" Connell, on Dec. 27, 1951.

Barbara's long and storied nursing career began as a nurse's aide at St. Mary's Hospital in Cairo, Illinois, when she was only 16. After her seven children were born, she returned to St. Mary's/Padco/Southern Medical Center Hospital as a licensed practical nurse, working private duty, then in obstetrics.

She completed her associate degree in nursing, becoming a registered nurse in 1972, and her bachelor's degree in 1974 from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, where she was recognized for making the President's List and achieving her degree with seven children. She worked in various positions and impacted many. She was a school nurse for both Meridian, Illinois, and Cairo high schools.

She was a nursing-home administrator at Greenbriar Manor and Daystar Care Center. She was RN director of nurses at Meridian Manor. She was an RN consultant for many long-term care facilities in the Southern Illinois area. Her name, "BCRN," was and still is remembered for setting high standards in the medical profession.

She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mound City, Illinois; St. Mary's Women's Sodality; and a member of Xi Delta Alpha of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.

She is survived by seven children: Susan (Al) Fischer of Abita Springs, Louisiana; Knute (Debbie) Connell of Goreville, Illinois; Jo Ellen (Bobby) Reichert of Grand Chain, Illinois; Marci (Cal) Niemi of Arlington Heights, Illinois; Jane (Martin) Flournoy of Kevil, Kentucky; Joanie (Duke) Jones of Cairo, and Mark (Tabitha) Connell of Rock Hill, South Carolina. Barbara also is survived by 16 grandchildren: Tim Stone, Betsy Stone, Natalie Connell, Adam Connell, Chad Kerr, Barbie Traylor, Rob Reichert, Trevor Niemi, Tyler Niemi, Phillip Flournoy, Lacey Flournoy, Katey Flournoy, Emily Martin, Ryan Goins, Jill Hogg and Brent Connell, and 10 great-grandchildren, Blake Stone, Kailee Traylor, Kaira Traylor, Keontia Traylor, Eva Kerr, Scotty Goins, Brody Goins, Rylee Goins, Myla Hogg and Alyssa Connell.

Two brothers, Del Aldrich of California and Bobby Aldrich of Oklahoma, and a sister, Nancy Watts of Decatur, Illinois, also survive, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Jim "Head" Connell; her parents, Robert and Nina Aldrich; her father- and mother-in-law, James and Josephine Connell; and a grandson, Kenny Jones.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015, at Jones Funeral Home in Villa Ridge.

Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Chris Mujule officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Mounds.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Daystar Care Center Activity Fund, 2001 Cedar Street, Cairo, IL 62914, or to Smiles I Senior Citizen Center in Mounds.

To leave online condolences, please visit jones-funeral.com.