Barbara Ann Muth Rein

Before the sun rose on the morning of Saturday, September 3, 2022, Barbara Ann Muth Rein, answered her Master’s call to return home to Him, so as to receive her promised reward of everlasting life in paradise.

Shortly after praying, while in the loving arms of her sister, Jade, Barbara found rest; and in her sleep, she peacefully departed from this life into the arms of her Heavenly Father. She was just shy of her 88th birthday.

We rejoice, in that, the conviction of Barbara’s faith has come to full fruition and that she is very much alive in Him.

As a family of faith, we know that Barbara is also enveloped by the love of her parents, Joseph Adam Muth, Sr. & Louise Pierce Muth Melton; and her siblings Joseph Adam "Mike" Muth, Jr. & Jody M. Muth Campos, all who entered The Kingdom before her.

Barbara will be lovingly remembered and missed by her sisters, Joan L. Muth St.Pierre Lemmler (Alvin) & Jade G. Muth Bethea Falcone; and a host of nieces, nephews, & extended family … all of whom loved and adored Barbara, and she them.

Born in Harvey, Louisiana on September 11, 1934, Barbara was the first of five children brought into this world by Joseph and Louise Muth. She grew up in the ice cream parlor which her mother owned and operated. She and her siblings worked there, as it was a family endeavor. Within its walls it was a frequent occasion to find everyone dancing to the tunes of yesteryear played on the jukebox.

Barbara attended Marrero High School where she was Vice President of Band, a member of Glee Club, Junior Class Vice President, and Maid of Honor and Captain of the Carnival Ball. After graduating early in 1952, Barbara took an office job with Texaco to financially assist her mother in supporting their family. She responded to her true calling when she enrolled in Moler Beauty College where she studied cosmetology. After all, a strikingly beautiful, poised, and glamorous woman would only desire to beautify others, and she did just that. As a young hairdresser, Barbara opened and operated Happy Talk Beauty Salon on Freret St. in New Orleans in the 60’s and 70’s. Years later she worked at Constant Trims and Hair Designs in Harahan. In addition to her vocation as a hair stylist, Barbara also created a clothing and accessories line called Adoni. She was the quintessential creative, in that she personalized and made each item with her own hands. Barbara was passionate about her work and loved those with whom she labored. She appreciated and truly cared for the many clients she beautified, dressed, and styled over the span of 6 decades.

When walking into a room, Barbara definitely made an unforgettable statement. She was confident in personality, possessed her own unique style, and entertained a flare for the dramatic. Few others commanded the attention she did.

Barbara enjoyed the full earthly life with which she was afforded. She was an exceptional cook of various cuisines, a proficient ballroom dancer, a great storyteller, a good friend, a genuine flirt, and Aunt Extraordinaire. She took pleasure in family celebrations, the opera, LSU, Pavarotti, gardening, floral arranging, designing, and traveling to Jerusalem. She was a lover of her feline children BeBe, Sweet Pea, Shadow, and the late, Precious, her friends, her family, and her faith.

Barbara was a romantic at heart. Throughout her entire adult life she sought after love through her marriages to Jose’ A. Semidey, Roland L. Riviere, Jr., William Rein, James A. Purcell, and Louis A. Traina. She never forfeited her hope of finding true love. We, her family, are confident that in the moment she first stood in the glory and light of her Savior, she finally found perfect love - in Christ.

Barbara was a Reborn Christian. She loved Lord, and immersed herself in the Word of God. Without apology, she preached the Gospel to everyone, in every arena, and in every circumstance and situation. Her faith was the absolute most significant aspect of her life!

The warmest of thanks is offered to Kathleen Buckley, Ted & Wendy Bethea, Sean Muth, Jerry Falcone, Ferril St. Pierre, Michael Muth, and Eleanor Barron, for their tireless efforts in relocating their Aunt Barbara to her home in Bridge City. We are especially grateful to Barbara’s sister Joan, who throughout the years, made countless trips from Picayune Mississippi to Harahan to visit and care for her sister. We are equally thankful for the kindness and friendship of Gina Delaune, Barbara’s neighbor, and Julie Dale, Barbara’s longtime co-worker, who both lovingly looked after Barbara in her later years in Harahan. Last but not least, mere words could never express our appreciation to Ferril & Brandi St. Pierre for their day in & day out care, compassion, and availability to their Aunt Barbara, which afforded her independence and dignity until the very end.

At Barbara's request, burial will be held privately at Westlawn Cemetery in Gretna, Louisiana. A celebration of her life will take place in the near future by invitation only.