Barbara Sue Williams

Barbara Sue Williams, age 79, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

Barbara was born on November 27, 1946, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Claracy Rhone and Hubert Exline. She grew up on Des Moines' east side, attended Cattell Elementary School, and graduated from East High School.

Following graduation, Barbara began her career as a teller at Iowa State Bank. She later worked for Bankers Trust, where she dedicated 15 years of service. Barbara concluded her working career with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), where she worked as a data entry clerk handling air quality permits.

Family was the center of Barbara's life and the source of her strength, determination, and passion. Raising three children on her own was no easy task, but she carried the responsibility with grace and resilience. Barbara always made certain her family was provided for, often putting her own needs aside to ensure her children had what they needed. She was a wonderful cook and had a remarkable talent for stretching a grocery budget. At the beginning of every school year, she made sure her children had new clothes and shoes, even when it meant postponing purchases for herself.

Barbara was a creative and talented woman who enjoyed many hobbies throughout her life. She loved ceramics and had a gift for transforming each piece into something that looked professionally crafted. She was also a talented artist who enjoyed drawing and doodling, though she was often her own harshest critic. To her family, her artwork was nothing short of beautiful. An accomplished seamstress, Barbara could take a pattern and adapt it to her own ideas, creating unique and stunning pieces. She also enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles, reading, and spending time outdoors. Whether tending to her yard, taking walks, or riding her bicycle, she found joy in nature and delighted in pointing out birds and flowers that caught her eye. As her battle with diabetes progressed, it became increasingly difficult for her to enjoy these activities.
Barbara was an example of strength, perseverance, and unconditional love. She encouraged each of her children to pursue their own paths and build their own lives, even when those changes altered family routines. She taught them to be independent, to stand up for themselves, and to always remain true to who they were.

She had a warm smile, an infectious laugh, and expressive eyes that revealed what words often did not. As she began to notice changes in her memory, Barbara struggled with the idea of losing her independence. Having spent a lifetime caring for others, accepting help herself was not easy. Her children reassured her that it was their turn to care for her, just as she had cared for them throughout their lives. She remained an incredible mother, teacher, role model, and cheerleader until the very end.
Barbara is now free from suffering and reunited in Heaven with the family she loved so dearly.
Barbara will be lovingly remembered by her children, Shannon (Glenn) Haus, Christopher (Julie) Hall, and Paulette (Mark) Strahl; her grandchildren, Amber, AJ, Dakota, and Barbara; and her twelve great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Claracy Rhone and Hubert Exline; and her siblings, Judy Thomas, Jim Exline, Jack Exline, and Paul Exline.

Family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Hamilton's Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. A funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. Barbara will be laid to rest at Lorimor Cemetery in Lorimor, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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