Reita Rankin Barnett
(May 10, 1940 - March 30, 2008)


Reita (Rankin) Barnett, age 67, of Vilonia (formerly of Malvern) passed away March 30, 2008 at her home. She was born in Leola, Arkansas May 10, 1940 the daughter of Maurice and Ruby (Crouse) Rankin. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Malvern. Her passion was teaching pre-school children at the First Baptist Children’s Center, where she worked for nineteen years. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John L. Barnett, and sister, Ann Conyers.

Survivors are her son, Josh Barnett and wife, Vanessa; grandchildren, Katy and Chloe Barnett, all of Vilonia; her uncle, Johnny Crouse of Poyen; and her best friend, Betty Lacey of Malvern.

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 1st from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Regency Funeral Home in Malvern.

Graveside services will be at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 2nd at Tulip Cemetery with Dr. Verne Wickliffe officiating.

Honorary pallbearers are Darren Fite, Steve McClain, Tim Smith, Roger Paul, Jr. and Ray Lacey.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Children’s Center, 531 S. Main, Malvern, AR 72104.

Arrangements are by Regency Funeral Home.