Barbara Prunty-Eckland

SAN DIEGO, Calf. - Barbara Prunty-Eckland, 86, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and cherished friend passed away due to leukemia in San Diego, California while surrounded by her family on Aug. 15, 2025.

Barbara was born and raised in Keokuk, Iowa. She was active in theater and had lead roles in many plays at Keokuk High School and Southeastern Community College. She received a bachelor's degree from Carthage College in Carthage, Illinois while working as a nurse's aide at Keokuk hospital. Barbara married Richard Prunty in 1960 and spent many years as a homemaker while serving in various director roles and committees with Graham Hospital Guild, the Keokuk Art Center, the YMCA and the Parent Teacher Association for Hawthorne Elementary School. A member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Barbara served as an active member in many ways such as supervising the nursery and as reader of the Gospel scriptures, layperson during Sunday service. She was a gifted artist and excelled at painting as well as wood carvings. In 1975, she was listed in the book "Outstanding Young Women of America" on the basis of her contributions to her home and community.

Although Barbara and Richard divorced in 1984, they remained very good friends. After the divorce, she moved to San Diego, California where she studied real estate and became a successful realtor for over 30 years. She loved spending time with her kids and grandkids, traveling through the United States and Europe, and going to see movies. She spent many happy hours in her garden where she won an award for outstanding landscaping in her district in 2009.

She is survived by her children, Todd (Kelly) Prunty in Keokuk, grandsons Michael Prunty and Jason Yates, daughter Michelle (Jay) Cooper in Corpus Cristi Texas, grandson Kian and granddaughter Leah, also daughter Jenny (Michael) Gokhale, grandson Cole and granddaughter Amanda in San Diego, California. Barbara is also survived by many nieces and nephews and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Edward Eckland, mother Ruby Eckland(Staaf), brother Jack Eckland and sister, Betty Eckland.

The family wishes to acknowledge her dear friend of many years, Terri Corrigan who supported and helped her throughout her illness.

Although Barbara has left this earth, her love, kindness and enthusiasm for life will be remembered by all who knew her. Celebration of Life ceremonies will be held in Keokuk on Oct. 25 from 1-4 p.m. at the Keokuk Union Depot and in San Diego at a future date.