Barbara J. White

Barbara J. White, 90, passed away September 22, 2015 at Fountain West. Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2015 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA. The funeral service will be Monday, September 28 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 1105 Grand Ave. in West Des Moines. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Osceola, IA.

Barbara was born on February 17, 1925 in Ottumwa, IA to Nina (Jenkins) and Clifford Savage. At the age of 45, she returned to school and became a Registered Nurse at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA; one of her lifelong dreams. She worked until age 81. Barbara lived her life well. She raised successful children, was a loving grandmother, and was always there for her family and friends. She was active in her faith, a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church for many years. She laughed often and faced tragedy and hardship with grace and dignity. During her years as a nurse, she touched and helped so many through her patients and their families; and as a role model for young nurses. Barbara entertained thousands over the course of her 50 Christmas coffees. She truly had a passion for helping others. Barbara was loving, giving, caring, resilient, generous, positive, fun-loving, kind, supportive and welcoming.

She will be greatly missed by her daughter, Vicki (Ed) Hertko; son, Chris (Kim) White; sisters, Connie (Yvonne) Hillman and Genny (Jim) Davis; 10 grandchildren, Jerry (Nicky) Cline, Mike Cline, Nikki (Tony) Carroll, Bob (Barbie) Ross, Rueben (Kim) Ross, Brad Hertko, Robert (Sherry) Hertko, Cameron White, Quentin White, and Colton White; 7 great-grandchildren, Ashley Ross, Caitlin Ross, Zach Ross, Mackenzie Carroll, Morgan Carroll, Megan Humble and Sam Ross; son-in-law, David Huth; honorary daughter and family, Dawn and Mike Hammond and children, Justin, Bret, Chase and Max; many nieces, nephews, friends and honorary children and grandchildren. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles Edmund White; daughters, Shirle Huth, Deborah Ross, and Rebecca White; and her sister, Dorothy Johnson.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Camp Hertko Hollow of Des Moines. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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