Barbara Jean Black

Barb was born in New Hampton, IA on November 6, 1952, to Barney and Eileen (Roths) Ball. She was welcomed with childlike excitement by Greg and Nancy and later with the same enthusiasm, they welcomed Kevin, Larry, Bryan and Deb. Barb was a graduate of New Hampton High School Class of 1970.

Barb was a passionate gardener and talented interior designer using her keen eye for thrift store bargains. We will never be able to move a pillow or end table without wondering if Barb would approve, and she usually didn't. It's hard to describe Barb in just a few words. We could start with spirited, courageous, determined, deprecatingly funny, introverted, talented, creative, loyal and often fiery. Some would say "a tough nut." But she was our "tough nut". We wouldn't have changed a thing.

Barb married Rick Black on February 27, 1995, making their home in Grimes, IA. Joining Barb and her sons, Jon and Joe Throndson were Rick's sons, Adam and Andy. Family was everything to Barb. As a 35-year employee of Hy-Vee/Drug Town in Des Moines, IA, Barb met many treasured friends. You know who you are. She was loved by several close women friends, and you know who you are as well. We learned to never interrupt her at 11:00 weekdays as she was watching The Young and the Restless. She was a devoted follower since 1972. Barb had many talents: Knitting, crocheting, gardening, decorating and she was a Wordler. Most certainly, cooking was not one of her talents. Barb was an intrepid bike rider and she and Rick loved a day of biking the trails of Des Moines with their friends. Barb also loved to dance and oh, could she dance. She especially enjoyed her Jazzercise class and friends. With pride and enthusiasm, she attended her grandchildren's sport and school events. She loved all her grandchildren equally. Brandon, Noah, Lily, Violet, Vivian and Nico will forever miss her.

Barb was predeceased by her parents, Barney and Eileen; her brother, Greg; and father-in-law, Richard.

Barb is survived by her husband, Rick; her sons, Jon (Andrea), Joe (Mike Lyden), and her stepsons, Andy (Heather) and Adam (Jennifer); mother-in-law, Betty; and sister-in-law, Victoria. Additional in -laws equally important to Barb are Margo, Idahlia, Colin, Barney and Dave; and several nieces and nephews. Also grieving her passing are the "Ball Kids": Nancy, Kevin, Larry, Bryan, and Deb Heimerdinger. She has left another big hole in our lives.

The family would like to sincerely thank Hospice of the Midwest and Barb's care team, Megan and Hillary, who cared for Barb with gentle hands and dignity.

If you would like to make a donation in Barb's name, please send to: Hospice of the Midwest, 9203 NorthPark Drive, Johnston, IA 50131.

At Barb's request, no services are planned. Once an introvert, always an introvert.

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