Barbara Bedsworth Kilpatrick

Barbara Kilpatrick, 65, presently of Des Moines, Iowa, died due to complications of bladder cancer on March 24, 2026.

Barbara was born in Misawa, Japan, thanks to the US Airforce. As a result of being a military brat, Barbara lived in fun places like Florida, Viriginia and Arizona. As she grew up, she was grateful for her mom’s dedication to making sure the family was fed, a commitment Barbara mirrored in her own family. Barbara listened to her dad regarding financial and long-term matters. She loved her parents and, even more importantly, respected them. Barbara took action to visit her family whenever possible.

Barbara could make friends wherever she landed. Her last year of high school meant she had to move to Missouri where she wouldn’t know anyone as a senior. Her cousin helped her connect and today, Barbara maintains a few of those relationships. Some forgot Barbara was at that school only one year! When choosing a college, Barbara stayed close to home, but far enough away she could live in the dorm. At the University of Missouri (MIZZOU) she joined the band, which as good as joining a sorority: lots of friends, fun, and memories.

Barbara chose to enter the computer field, which was at the time known as a ‘man’s world’. College didn’t have a computer major, she was that groundbreaking, so she created an independent studies degree. She worked as a software programmer for twenty years. When Abby was about to come along, the company Barbara once worked for when she was in high school, had an opening. Barbara became a mom and stayed at the company for 23 and half years (Abby is 23). She worked from home via the internet, long before anyone heard of COVID.

Barbara met her husband in Springfield Missouri. What she saw in a guy who was living in a worn-out apartment in an old house, driving a $300 car and working as a transcriptionist, is anyone’s guess, but he was eternally grateful she picked him. Together their adventures included grad school, living in Amana, La Crosse and Des Moines. Touring Poland, Hawaii, Alaska, Germany, Italy, London, and the Caribbean, as well as spending every major holiday with friends or family. Someone once said that going to see family was not a vacation, but for Barbara it was an honor.

Barbara had her only child when she was 42 years old (she always sauntered along on her own schedule). She found joy in being an older parent. Not many peers, but twice the fun. Barbara was a good mother doing as much as possible: helping in class, going on field trips, being a scout leader, etc. She did all of these activities with enthusiasm and excitement, even when Abby asked her to stop. Barbara loved her daughter and wished nothing but the best for her, letting her make her own mistakes to become learning opportunities.

In addition to family, Barbara enjoyed her cats, having at least two at all times. The best time of the day was when they needed lap time and Barbara could accommodate. She sincerely apologizes to her friends who were allergic to pets.

Barbara also had a great time with crafting. She enjoyed puzzles, candle making, sewing, quilting, and making cards. She also relished cooking, never making the same exact meal twice (even if requested), as she felt that a recipe was a suggestion not a rule.

As a committed church-goer, wherever she lived she found a church home and gave it her all. She was the type who used Agape in a sentence correctly. She served on many councils, participated in worship, usually as a member of the music team, but not afraid to read or engage in liturgical dance. Church was about the congregation and the connections with a little religion thrown in. She was not denominationally committed, but rather sought receptiveness, service and the breaking of bread together.

Barbara never followed the expected crowd unless it was in a parade. She insisted on being herself and doing what mattered to her. Wherever she went, she connected: new friends, new towns, and new churches. Regardless of where she was, she committed to her past and present family and served where needed.

Barbara is survived by her husband, David; daughter, Abigail; mother, Shirley Bedsworth; sister, Dee (Steve Bost); brothers, Dale (Anne) and Terry; 14 nieces and nephews; and countless cousins and others who will never forget her. She was preceded in death by her father.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at West Des Moines Christian Christian Church, 4501 Mills Civic Parkway in West Des Moines with visitation one hour prior. The service will be livestreamed click here. There will be an additional service the next day, Wednesday, April 1 at 11:00 a.m. at Red Top Christian Church, 14355 North St U in Hallsville, Missouri with visitation also one hour prior. Fellowship after the service. Burial will follow at Red Top Christian Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Marching Mizzou, the marching band, the Alumni Band at the University of Missouri, or your local animal shelter in loving memory of Barbara.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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