Barbara Ann Melcher

On Friday, January 13, 2023, Barbara Melcher passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 89. She was born Barbara Ann Richmond on August 27, 1933 in the same old farmhouse her father was born in, on land originally settled by her great grandfather.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe and son, Pete. She is survived by one son, Matt Melcher (Shannon); one daughter, Mary Jo Romanco (Mike); three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one brother. In addition, she leaves behind countless nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and loved ones.

Barbara was everyone’s friend and loved visiting, sharing stories and photographs, and spending time with her friends and family. Her family was the most important thing in her life, and she did whatever she needed to do to provide them with a loving home. She shared countless stories of adventures and good times with her brothers and sister growing up on the farm on White’s Creek.

After she graduated from Lovilia High School she left the farm and moved to the city to become a secretary. In 1958, she married Joe Melcher, and they raised their family in Des Moines, Iowa. Their neighbors on Pilmer Drive became as close as family. Summers were spent camping at Lake Rathbun with a wonderful circle of friends. They shared days of boating and fishing, with evening campfires and laughter. After she and Joe retired, they spent winters in Arizona, and their summers in Iowa. They enjoyed time spent with their grandchildren. After Joe passed away in 2001, she and her companion Leo Ward were busy all the time. In fact, they were kind of hard to keep up with. Driving old cars in parades, fishing, and visiting each other’s families and friends filled their days. In 2013 her son Pete died unexpectedly, and while she was devasted, she carried on with love in her heart.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5711 SW 9th Street with visitation one hour prior. Barbara will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Lovilia at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers or memorial contributions, please do something nice for someone you love. Send flowers to them, get coffee and catch up, and give them a hug. Oh – and have a cold Busch Light for Barb.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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