Barbara Truitt

Barbara Truitt, 81, of Des Moines passed away on February 4 while surrounded by loving family members.

Barbara was born on February 9, 1936, in Des Moines. She was the youngest of three children and only daughter born to Clara and Earl Helvig. Calling Iowa home for the entirety of her life, she was a graduate of North High School and Drake University, and an employee for the State of Iowa until her retirement in 1995.

In addition to her parents, in passing Barbara rejoins her brothers, Bob and Don.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 60 years, William, whom she first met in the nursey of St. John's Lutheran Church while they were still infants. After years of singing in the church choir together, the two were married in 1957 and welcomed five children into their south Des Moines home. They include Bill Truitt and wife Julie of Campbellsport, Wisconsin; Deb Robb and husband Gordon of Lucas, Iowa; Jeffrey Truitt and wife Diane of Tempe, Arizona; Mindy Truitt Young of Des Moines, Iowa and Michael Truitt of Des Moines, Iowa.

Their same south Des Moines home continued to be the gathering place for years to come for holidays and celebrations, as Barbara and William saw the welcomed additions to their family in the way of 14 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.

When not spending time at countless sporting events for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she enjoyed reading in her chair, watching the 'Cubbies' (Thank you 2016 Cubbies!) and spending evenings fishing at their family property in the rolling hills of southern Iowa.

Barbara's Celebration of Life will be at the Celebration Worship Center 6204 SW 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50315, on Saturday, February 10 at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in Barb Truitt's memory to the American Diabetes Association, at www.diabetes.org.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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