Rheta J. Brinegar, 89 of Paxton, died at 5:07 p.m. Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton with Rev. Pat Allin officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery, Paxton.

Visitation will be two hours before the funeral service from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. also at the funeral home.

Rheta was born April 16, 1937, in rural Loda, the daughter of Rhoda and Leona Dodd Pilcher. She married William Donald “Don” Brinegar April 14, 1956, at the Loda Methodist Church. He preceded her in death July 14, 2023.

She is survived by three daughters, Linda (Mike) Herriott of Paxton, Rhonda (Rick) Wolfe of Paxton, Sheila (Tom) Eisaman of Centennial, CO; eight grandchildren, Jennifer Flanigan, Lindsay Garcia, Becky Britten, Eric Wolfe, Ashley Wallin, William Eisaman, Anne Eisaman, Joshua Eisaman; 11 great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Bobbie Pilcher of Paxton and a brother-in-law, Terry Beland of Paxton.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William “Don” Brinegar; two brothers, Willard and Larry Pilcher and a sister, Marjorie Beland.

Rheta graduated from Paxton High School in 1955. She was a home maker and stay-at-home mom until her daughters were grown. She then went to work for the Ford County Assessment office for 17 years and after retirement, she worked at Laybourn’s in Paxton for several years.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Paxton, United Methodist Women, the Stephen Ministry and Home Extension. She was also a former member of the church choir and Paxton Junior Woman’s Club.

Rheta enjoyed painting ceramics, crocheting, sewing and baking. She took great pride and joy in her home.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Paxton or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.