Barbara Kirkpatrick
June 11, 2021
Barbara Ellen Kirkpatrick, 89, passed away Friday, June 11, 2021. Barb was born in Orillia, Iowa on May 3, 1932 to Esther and Leo Swallow. She was the oldest of six children. She was raised in Waukee and graduated from Waukee High School in 1951. She married Jim Kirkpatrick on October 2, 1953, and they enjoyed 67 years together. They had one child - Linda Sue.
They moved to Des Moines in 1966, and Barb went to work for the Des Moines School System as a baker and moved up to manager. She worked there for 22 years.
Barb was a special lady, a second mom, and mentor to many. She had several interests including word searches, needle work, sewing, camping, and riding motorcycles with Jim. You could always count on Barb having food when needed. She was an excellent cook.
She is survived by husband, Jim; daughter, Linda and son-in-law, Darrell who is a special blessing and the son they never had; and very special “family” members - the Short Family. She is also survived by her brother, Tom and his wife, Trish, several nieces and nephews, two brothers-in-law, and so very many friends.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents and four siblings.
Services will be held on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to the family to be directed to a cause close to Barb’s heart.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Donna Lentner
06/17/2021
Your a piece of my life I will always remember.
With all my love
Donna Margaret
Linda Rees Hill
06/16/2021
I am so sorry for your loss. Barb was my "protector" when I was growing up.
Dena Forret
06/15/2021
My sincere condolences to Barb's family. I was a neighbor to the Swallow family in Waukee. I remember Barb so well. May she enjoy the blessings of heaven and may her family find support, love and peace during this difficult time. Dena