Barbara Harrison
March 14, 2014
Barbara Jean Harrison, 73, passed away Friday, March 14, 2014 at Unity Point Health Des Moines Methodist, surrounded with love by her family, after a hard four year fight against cancer.
Barbara was born January 15, 1941 in Des Moines to Clarence and Doris Smith. She married Paul Harrison on November 12, 1960 and together they raised three children. She graduated from Tech High School in 1959. She worked for many years as Assistant to the Vice President of Fawn Engineering/Wittern Group and before that for Rock Island Railroad. Barbara loved being a wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She played her accordion alongside Lawrence Welk. Barbara enjoyed ceramics, scrapbooking, crafts and painting. She loved to golf, dance, play cards with friends; play with and teach her grandchildren. Barbara’s main focus in life was to be surrounded by a wonderful group of family and friends and she always felt blessed to have had them. She will be greatly missed.
Barbara is survived by her husband Paul; her children, Curtis (Vanessa) Harrison, Kelly (Lucy) Harrison and Bonnie (Brian) Graham; grandchildren, Taylor Harrison, Chris Harrison, Abby Harrison, David Darling, Luke Harrison, Kelcy Harrison, Bryson Graham, Braeden Graham and Ben Graham; mother, Doris Smith; siblings, Clarence Smith, Sue (Gerald) Wright, Donna Erickson and William Smith; as well as many nieces, nephews and beloved friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Clarence; mother in-law, Charity Bell Harrison; father in-law, Bonnie B. Harrison; brothers in-law, Earl (Thelma) Middleton and Albert Middleton; and sister in-law, “Cookie” Smith.
The family will greet friends on Friday, March 21, 2014, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at the funeral home. A private family burial will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Stoddard Oncology Cancer Center in remembrance of Barbara.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Sharon Fischer Yori
03/24/2014
Doris, Paul and family. I am so sorry I wasn't able to get to the funeral home but I wanted you to know how sad I am for you all with Barb's passing. She, Ronnie and I were almost inseparable when we were growing up, but sadly all went their separate ways after graduation. I have so many wonderful memories of our times together and hope that everyone will find consolation in the precious memories you have of her and your times together just as I will. Please know I'm thinking of you all. Much love to you! Cousin Sharon
Rebecca (Becky) Cummings Overton
03/20/2014
So sorry for your loss. I was in high school with Barb and talked to her a couple years ago. She was suppose to be getting me Davy and Martha Davison's phone no., but I never heard back from her. She was a very smart and fun gal.
Sheri & Ron Stephens
03/20/2014
Kelly, Lucy & family, Sending our sincere condolences to you and your family.
John & Marilyn Reid
03/19/2014
Paul, Marilyn and I send our sincere condolences because of the passing of your dear wife. Marilyn and I know what you have gone through the last four years as we are going through the same. May the God of all comfort comfort your family during this trying time.
Stu & Anna Hall
03/19/2014
There aren't enough words to say how sorry we are for your whole family. We will be praying for your recovery during this trying time.
Marilyn & Ted Lee
03/19/2014
To Paul and the family. We have lost a very special Sister in Christ. Our many years together in the NTW's makes us just so grateful we had Barb in our lives. Today your in my thoughts, tonight I will remember you in my prayers, and always you will be in our hearts. She fought the good fight with courage & dignity. We loved her so.
Jim & Jean Dexter
03/18/2014
Paul, Bonnie, Curt & Kelly, So sorry to hear about Barb. She was a wonderful neighbor and friend. We will always cherish her wonderful friendship. So sorry we are still in AZ so can't be with you She put up a good fight, but at least she is no longer suffering and is in a better place.. Just wanted you to know our prayers and sympathy are with you.
Davy & Martha Davison, Melody & Tim Cain, David an
03/18/2014
Paul, Curt, Kelly, Bonnie and family, we are so sad that Barb is gone but you know she is in peace now. She will be so missed. We have known most of you for years and have always considered you family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and you are always in our hearts. Love you all always.
Lola Angell
03/18/2014
Doris, Paul and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't know Barb well, but her mother, Doris is a first cousin to me. I can't imagine losing a child regardless of age. My prayers are with you all. God Bless.
Phil Masters The Wittern Group
03/18/2014
My condolences to your family. I enjoyed working with Barb while she was at the Wittern Group.
Phil Masters
Chip & Maria Wittern
03/18/2014
Dear Paul and families-
So MANY warm and happy memories of Barb in the executive offices at Wittern Group. She was always laughing and so much fun to be around. We have enjoyed keeping in touch through Christmas cards over the years.....and are so very sorry for the journey of healing you are about to begin. Please know we are praying for each of you - and are confident Barb is in a better place which we all hope to be one day. God Bless and take special care of yourselves as well as each other.
kathy blair firman ginny price
03/17/2014
Dear Paul and family, We are so saddened to learn of Barb's passing. We send you are thoughts and prayers and the hugs will follow when we are back in Iowa. Virginia and all of her siblings and her mom.
Robert Creighton
03/17/2014
Paul -- thinking about you and praying for you at this trying time.
Stacey (Locke) Kelling
03/17/2014
Bonnie & Family -
Barb will be very missed by all of your friends. She was like all of our second moms. I will remember her smile and laugh. My heart breaks for you and your family Bon.
One of my favorite memories of Barb was when she called in sick for me - acting like my mom because you and I wanted to lay out at your house by the pool. I love and will miss Barb very much.
I love you Bon..
Clint & Janie
03/17/2014
Paul, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this day.