Paroda "Paddy" Ann Rainwater

Paroda Ann (Barrier) Rainwater, age 81, passed away on September 30, 2025, at her home in Prairie Grove, Arkansas.

Paddy was born to parents Oliver Max Barrier and Helen Rose (Hall) Barrier, and big brother, Kimber Barrier, on June 27, 1944. She was born on the family farm, just west of Labette, one of five generations to be raised there. She graduated from Pleasanton High School and later earned an Associate's degree from Pittsburg State. Very soon after, she moved to Colorado, where she charmed her future husband, Carrol Rainwater, at an office water fountain — a spell that would last for 59 years, until Carrol's passing in 2024. Carrol and Paddy married on July 10, 1965, and, while in Colorado, were blessed with their only son, Jeffrey Olen, in March 1970. In 1974, the young family moved to northwest Arkansas, where they spent the rest of their lives together.

In addition to raising her son with the help of her mother, Helen, Paddy worked for the First United Methodist Church of Prairie Grove, Carrol's real estate office, Mount Sequoyah Conference and Retreat Center, and ran a successful laundry business in Fayetteville. She was a sister of the CQ chapter of PEO and was also very active in her church, Prairie Grove FUMC. Paddy loved to sew and scrapbook, especially if it was for her granddaughter, Emma, who was the absolute joy of her life!

Paddy is preceded in death by her husband, Carrol; her parents, Max and Helen; and her brother, Kimber. She is survived by her son, Jeff (Laura), her granddaughter Emma, her sister-in-law, Patricia Barrier, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Paddy's family extends a special thank you to the "girls" who took care of both Paddy and Carrol over the last few years and who became like family: Susan, Kim, Cindy, Ariel, Taylor, Victoria, and Marti.

Paddy's Celebration of Life service will be held at First United Methodist Church of Prairie Grove, 1401 E Parks St, Prairie Grove, AR 72753, on Friday, October 24th, at 1 pm, with interment following at Hall Cemetery in Crawford County, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Prairie Grove First United Methodist Church and to Washington Regional Hospice.