Barbara Ann Pontanini, 61, of Genoa, Illinois passed away on January 5, 2024. She was born on September 23, 1962, in Riverside California. Barbara was a loving person who would do anything for her family. She raised three amazing children whom she loved with all of her heart.

Barbara spent many of her years as a waitress and cook, then eventually made her dream come true and became a restaurant owner. She was a hardworking and dedicated individual who always put her family first.

In her free time, Barbara loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She cherished their company and created countless memories with them. She also enjoyed gambling, whether it was at the casino or with family playing poker. In her later years, she found joy in making crafts for fairs.

Barbara is survived by her stepmother, Sue Pontanini, and her significant other, Paul Swanson. She is also survived by her siblings, Frankie (Angie) Pontanini, Theresa Sanders, Karen (Rich) Kalva, Kelly (Maria) Milam, Brenda (Jimmy) Brooks, and Cheryl (Dave) Olesen. Her children, Jeffery Pontanini (Samantha Rodway), Ryan (Ashley) Muir, and Brittny Muir (Blake Polichnowski), and her grandchildren, Kash, Brooklynn, Vada, Luca, Gino, Enzo, and Ryan Jr.

Barbara was preceded in death by her mother, Arla Pontanini-Sanders, her father, Frank Pontanini, and her siblings, Vincent "Bopper" Pontanini, and Bobby Milam Jr.

Visitation for Barbara will be held on Wednesday, January 10th, from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Slater-Butala Funeral Home, located at 132 W. Main St., Genoa, IL.

Please join us in honoring Barbara's life and sharing stories and memories of her at the visitation. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

To sign her online guest book or share a special memory, go to www.butalafuneralhomes.com