Barbara Gertrude (née Frie) Rule, age 85, of Pittsgrove, NJ, on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Born on February 1, 1941, in Clayton, NJ, Barbara was the daughter of the late Robert Conley and Ruth Elizabeth (née Krieg) Frie. She was raised in Clayton until the seventh grade and moved to Glassboro in 1953, where Barbara attended Glassboro High School. After her marriage, Barbara made her home in Franklinville, becoming a longtime resident of the area, moving later to Pittsgrove in 1987.
Barbara was the beloved wife of the late Rupert W. “Butch” Rule, Jr., with whom she shared a loving marriage beginning on May 23, 1987. Together, they built a life filled with companionship, travel, and shared interests. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Jean Walker and her husband Robert Allen Walker of Ruckersville, VA. She was predeceased by her daughter, Ruth Ann Conto and step-son James DeVecchio. Barbara was a proud grandmother to Jennifer Carol (née Walker) Lawson and her husband Derek Lawson, Jacob Lawrence Deschler, Nicholas Robert Deschler, Daniel DeVecchio, and Nicholas DeVecchio, and she treasured each of them deeply.
She is also survived by her beloved sister, Carol Jean Vandergrift and her late husband Robert, and her brother, John Robert Frie. She was a loving aunt to her nephew, Paul Steven Vandergrift and Robert J. Vandergrift, Jr. Barbara shared a lifelong friendship with Linda and Bill Sampson, who had been dear friends to her since 1973, and that friendship remained one of the enduring blessings of her life. Barbara also leaves behind Karen Murray who met her as an aide but quickly became a trusted friend who gave her companionship and helped care for Barbara during her final years.
Barbara devoted many years of service to Jamesway Corporation, where she worked from 1973 to 1993. Her primary location was Glassboro, though her responsibilities extended to other locations as well. She was known for her reliability and versatility, handling invoice data, sales, receiving, shipping, and returns with care and competence. Her work ethic and steady presence earned the respect of those who worked alongside her.
Outside of work, Barbara loved quilting and was an avid seashell collector. She and Rupert traveled often, partly because of her love of collecting seashells and partly because Rupert enjoyed antique cars, and those trips became cherished memories for them both. Barbara also had a deep affection for cats and was involved with a Salem County program that cared for cats living in the wild, reflecting her gentle heart and compassion for animals in need.
Services are private at the convenience of the family under the direction of the BARCLAY FUNERAL HOME of Clayton. Sign the guestbook and send condolences at BarclayFuneralHome.net. Sorrowfully submitted by the family.