Barbara "Bobbie" Borst

Barbara J. Borst, 77, passed away May 19, 2025 at Prairie Vista Village in Altoona, Iowa.

Barb was born September 13, 1947 in Wichita, Kansas to Joseph and Doris (Hemphill) Thomas. She graduated from Des Moines Tech and attended DMACC. Barb was an Autism Associate for the Des Moines Public School System for over 15 years. She loved to travel and was able to take most of her grandchildren to Disneyworld. Barb also enjoyed camping. She was a Wizard of Oz fanatic. She started collecting “all things” Wizard of Oz at age 17 and continued throughout her life, building what her family lovingly refers to as her Wizard of Oz shrine. Barb was a devout Christian and loved the Lord. Barb attended High Point Church in Altoona. Barb’s passion in life was supporting Christian churches and organizations. One of her favorites was the missionary churches in Haiti. Barb’s special verse was Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Barb is survived by her children, Jeffrey Borst, Michael (Wendy) Borst, Heather (Anthony) Miller, Robert Borst and Melissa Borst; grandchildren, Zachary Borst, Cody Borst, Logan (Taylor) Borst, Brayden Borst, Riley (Lexi) Borst, Evan Borst, Devun (Kelsie) Miller, Collin (Kourtney) Miller, Maddison Miller, Kira Borst and Tucker Borst; great-grandchildren, Lillian & Zoey, Eleanor, James, Quynn & Emmitt, Warren and 3 more on the way; as well as a host of extended family and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, James Lee Borst.

The funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a visitation and reception at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. For those unable to attend in person, the family invites you to join them virtually through the link found at the bottom of Barb’s obituary on Hamilton’s website. Barb will be laid to rest at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Dorothy’s House, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa or Autism Society of Iowa in loving memory of Barb.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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