Mt. Vernon- Barbara A. Austin, 94, of Mt. Vernon, formerly of Campbell Hill, passed away on December 03, 2025 at 5:09 PM at Shawnee Senior Living in Herrin.

Barbara was born on October 24, 1931 in Grayville, IL to William Shelley and Mary (Cowling) Hallam. She married Harley Rathert on September 24, 1950 in Burnt Prairie. He preceded her in death on October 24, 1995. Later she married Marvin Austin on November 2, 2002 in Campbell Hill. He preceded her in death on Christmas Day 2020.

She worked many years as part time secretary for St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Campbell Hill and also as bookkeeper for her husbands masonry business. She was of Lutheran Faith and attended St. John's Lutheran Church in Post Oak whenever she was able.

Additionally, Barbara was a member of the Home Extension Group and an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

She most enjoyed cooking, working in the yard and cleaning and working around the house. She also enjoyed quiet time with her friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, daughter- Shelia Shaw and her grandson- Travis Shaw.

Barbara is survived by her son- Kevin Rathert of Mt. Vernon; grandchildren- Roman Rathert, Bardot Rathert and Lance Shaw; three great grandchildren and sister- Marilyn Collins.

The family would especially like to thank Hospice of Southern Illinois for the exceptional care received during a difficult time.

She will be cremated and private family services may be held at a later date. She will be inurned at St. Luke's Cemetery in Campbell Hill.

Memorial arrangements were entrusted to McCluskie-Miller Funeral Home in Herrin. Memorials donations are suggested to the American Cancer Society or Hospice of Southern Illinois and may be mailed to McCluskie-Miller Funeral Home/ 501 S. 12th Street/ Herrin, IL 62948. For more information please visit www.mccluskiemillerfh.com or call (618) 942-2020 .

American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City OK 73123
Tel: 1-800-227-2345
Web: http://www.cancer.org/

Hospice of Southern Illinois
204 Halfway Road, Marion IL 62959
Tel: 1-618-997-3030
Web: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E11847&id=2