Barbara LaNay Riel, 60, of Big Flat, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, March 30th, 2025, with family at her side. She was born July 24th, 1964, in Mountain View, Arkansas, to Oolie Earl and Bonnie (McClanahan) Harrington.
She was a loving mother, grandmother, and a generous woman who would give when she had nothing. She was a free spirit, a phenomenal cook, and a creative artist who poured her heart into the paintings and sketches in which her personality was shown through. She loved to watch her flowers grow and feed every little creature who came to the yard. She was a passionate woman who was fiercely protective of those she loved, especially her children. Her smile and words of encouragement would help anyone who needed to hear them. The last thing she wanted to be was normal or boring. She was a unique and beautiful soul who will be dearly missed until reunited with her family and friends.
She is survived by three siblings, Janice Lee, Jerry Wallis and Greg Harrington; three children, Bethany Elliott, Brittany Riel, and Dalton Riel; three grandchildren, Sophia, Claire, and Noah. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Oolie and Bonnie Harrington.
A visitation will be held Sunday, April 6th, 2025, from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm, at the Mountain View Funeral Service Chapel. A private burial will take place Monday, April 7th, 2025, at the Big Flat Cemetery.
Arrangements are entrusted to Mountain View Funeral Service
