Barbara Kay Heater, aged 75, passed away on November 24, 2021 at EveryStep Hospice in Des Moines, Iowa. Barbara was born in Hartley, Iowa on May 9th, 1946, to Leland Hirt and Bernice (Hoeman) Hirt. Her younger years were spent in Spirit Lake, Iowa and then in 1959, the family moved to Des Moines, Iowa. Shegraduated from Roosevelt High School in 1964 and earned her degree in Nursing Home Administration from DMACC in Des Moines, Iowa. She moved to Morning Sun, Iowa, where she worked for a number of years as the Nursing Home Administrator and then moved to Newton, Iowa where she was also a Nursing Home Administrator until retiring.
Barb loved to garden and had one of the most beautiful yards in Morning Sun, complete with a pond and a bridge. She was a member of Morning Sun Garden Club. She also enjoyed traveling, making and wearing jewelry, spending time with her family and friends, and spending time with her beloved cats.
She is survived by her three children, Leon Freeman Jr. and wife Sandy (Clive), Bradi Dale and husband Bryan (Morning Sun), Kyle Hunt and wife Daylene (West Des Moines); her grandchildren Kayla (Chris) Holt and Jamie Dale, Parker and Elise Freeman, and Savannah Hunt; her sister, Laurie Hirt; her ex-husband, Robert Heater; very special friend Robert Martin, and her closest friend and neighbor, Carolyn McKinstry, whom the family loves and appreciates for everything she did to help and care for our mother.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leland and Bernice Hirt, and the fathers of her children, Leon Freeman Sr., from her first marriage, and Kreigh Hunt from her second marriage.
Per her wishes cremation has been accorded, and there will be no service; instead, a small private Celebration of Life will be held for her children and their families. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Barb’s name to Happy Tales Ranch and Rescue in Colfax, Iowa at: http://happytalesranchandrescue.wordpress.com or by calling (712) 249-3203.
