Alison Lyn Barrett

Alison Lyn Barrett passed away peacefully at home on March 13, 2025, in West Des Moines, Iowa. She was born to Mark Barrett and Julie Thrasher on March 13, 1984, in Omaha, Nebraska. Throughout her childhood, Alison lived in Omaha, Southern California, the Pacific Northwest, and finally landed in Clive, Iowa, with her mother and stepfather, Jim Thrasher, her oldest sister, Audrey Dingeman, and her youngest sister, Kelsi Thrasher. Alison completed her GRE in Ankeny, Iowa, where she lived with her father and stepmother, Mark and Jody Barrett, her older stepsister, Jill Kain, and her younger stepbrother, Ryan Spomer. She attended cosmetology school and practiced as a hairstylist for several years before eventually working as a phlebotomist.

After high school, Alison met Quentin Sorenson, married, and had her first child, Jude Sorenson. They lived together for several years before parting ways. Alison later met Jim Matthes and had her second child, Coral Matthes.

Alison is survived by her son, Jude Sorenson (Iowa); daughter, Coral Matthes (Iowa); mother and stepfather, Julie and Jim Thrasher (Arizona); father and stepmother, Mark and Jody Barrett (Iowa); sister and brother-in-law, Audrey and Brian Dingeman (Florida); sister, Kelsi Thrasher (Florida); stepsister and brother-in-law, Jill and Key Kain (Iowa); and stepbrother and sister-in-law, Ryan and Meghan Spomer (Iowa).

Alison loved working out, and more specifically, loved riding bikes with her mom and bike club, the Tall Dogs. She participated in many RAGBRAIs. More than anything in the world, though, she cherished her time with her children and family. While Alison’s life ended far too soon, she was full of life, love, and vivacity. There were never dull moments when Alison was around—from day one through the remainder of her life. She marched to the beat of her own drum, always had a smile on her face, and shared so much love with others and animals alike. She had the biggest heart, and everyone who knew her will forever feel a piece of that heart missing with her passing.

A graveside service will be held at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Dunlap, Iowa, on March 17, 2025, at 12 p.m., followed by a reception at Dunlap Golf Course. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled for summer 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa be made in Alison’s name.

Although Alison is now at rest, her love and memories will live on through her friends and family and, most especially, through her children, Jude and Coral.

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