Barbara C Rascher

Barbara Lou Cordes Rascher passed away at home in Tolono surrounded by family on Friday afternoon, March 15th.  She is preceded in death by her father and mother, Eugene and Aileen Cordes of Champaign, sister Wendy Cope of Texas (Children Jonathan and Angela) and sister Karen Cordes of Champaign.  She is survived by her brother Melvin Cordes of Rantoul and sister Sue Katzenmayer of McHenry.  Also surviving are her husband Dale Rascher, daughter Laura Rascher Cook with grandchildren, Henry and Lily and son Scott Rascher with his wife Laci (Hoskins) Rascher and granddaughter, Sutton.  Barb was a force of nature and true believer in the idea of “where there’s a will, there’s a way.”  Perhaps this was a function of her being the youngest of five siblings.  She grew up in an outdoor-loving family, learning to swim and waterski at a young age.  Gaining an appreciation for nature that grew exponentially with age.  Barb highly valued education as well.  Despite working full time and raising her two amazing children, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Illinois University.

Perhaps her greatest passion was helping others:  family, friends, strangers, and critters.  She was past Worthy Mother Advisor of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls.  Barb was dedicated board member of Champaign Assembly of I.O.R.G.  She was a recipient of the Service of Rainbow Award, a rare and distinguished honor.  She also worked tirelessly to benefit the Cunningham Children’s Home in Urbana.  Closer to home, with her devoted husband Dale, she worked at the Giving Place in Tolono.  She was a member and officer in the Women of Faith organization and participated in outreach service missions to impoverished areas in the U.S.  Barb honored and respected our veterans and worked on care packages for them, even delivering these to veterans’ homes in the area.

She was warm and funny, quirky and kind and will be missed beyond measure.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the following organization would be greatly appreciated:  University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, CatsNap Champaign Area Shelter at catsnap.org, Cunningham Children’s Home of Urbana, and The Giving Place of Tolono.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11AM Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Tolono United Methodist Church, with Rev. Gail Meyers officiating, with a Celebration of Life to follow at 11:00 AM at the church.  Everyone is encouraged to wear a shade of purple.

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