Pauletta June "Paula" Rentfro

Pauletta “Paula “June (nee Reese) Rentfro, age 84, of Ozark, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 30, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Paula was born on August 10, 1942, in Marion, Illinois, the daughter of Paul and Ruby (Troxel) Reese. On November 15, 1960, she married James “Jim” Rentfro. Together, they shared 43 years of marriage before his passing on December 21, 2003. They built a life centered around family and raised three daughters.

A devoted wife, mother, and homemaker, Paula found her greatest happiness in the simple joys of life and the people she loved. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and she treasured every opportunity to spend time with them. She enjoyed watching her favorite game shows, working word search puzzles, and taking peaceful drives through the countryside.

Paula especially loved living with her daughter in Ozark, where she enjoyed the comforts of home and the companionship of family. She also looked forward to spending cherished time with her daughter in Caseyville. These moments, whether spent visiting, sharing stories, or simply being together, meant the world to her.

Her faith was an important part of her life. Paula was a member of the First Pentecostal Church of Ozark, where she dearly loved her church family, especially her pastor and his wife.

Paula is survived by her daughters, Tammy Morris of Ozark, Illinois, and Melissa (Howard) Malloy of Caseyville, Illinois; grandchildren, Breanna (Miles) Williams of West Frankfort, Illinois, Tyler Malloy of Citrus Heights, California, Dolan Malloy of Imperial, Missouri, Aeriel Ford of Vienna, Illinois, and Austin (Krista) Woolverton of Jonesboro, Illinois; great-grandchildren, Cooper Williams, Nolan and Dax Ford, and Kora and Kolter Woolverton. She is also survived by her sister, Jennifer Rich of Marion, Illinois, and her special honorary daughter, Carolyn Taylor of Ozark, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Ruby Reese; her beloved husband, Jim Rentfro; her daughter, Patricia Shadowens; her son-in-law, Dennis “Ravi.” Morris; and her sister, Lynn West.

Paula will be remembered for her love of family, her devotion to her faith, and the happiness she found in life’s everyday blessings. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home under the direction of Binkley-Ross.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Blue Funeral Home, located at 1704 N. Court Street in Marion, Illinois.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor Jeff Treat officiating. An additional hour of visitation will be held prior to the service, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Interment will follow at East Lawn Cemetery in Energy, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be directed to the Heather Treat Memorial. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To leave online condolences or share a special memory with the family, please visit www.binkleyross.com.