Barbara "Barb" Blevins

Barbara "Barb" Blevins lived a life defined by love, service, and showing up - wholeheartedly and without hesitation. Born on June 30, 1952, to Robert Max Peters and MaryAnn Peters, Barb grew into the kind of woman who never met a stranger and never missed a chance to help.

To say she was involved would be an understatement. There are simply too many organizations, school events, and volunteer hours to list. If there was a sign-up sheet, her name was probably already on it - often at the top. She had a gift for making people feel welcome, cared for, and always well-fed. Helping wasn't something she did; it was who she was.

Of all the roles she held in her life, her favorite - without question - was Grandmother. She eventually moved to Iowa to help care for her grandchildren, a decision that perfectly reflected her heart. Her grandchildren were her pride, her joy, and her favorite audience. Whether cheering from the stands, attending school events, or just being present for the everyday moments, she treasured every second.

Barb is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Cari Bergman, and son-in-law Jon, and their children Avery (20) and Kinley (15); and by her son, Cory Blevins, and daughter-in-law Kristie, and their children Taylor Housenga (28), AJ (17), Blake (15), and great granddaughter Briella. Her family was her greatest accomplishment and the center of her world.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Randy, who passed in 2016. We find comfort knowing they are together again. She is also reunited with her parents and with her sister, Christine.

Barb loved animals - especially stray dogs, who somehow always seemed to find their way to her. She loved the St. Louis Cardinals and could cheer them on with loyalty and optimism season after season. Most of all, she loved her family. Fiercely. Completely. Without condition.

She passed away peacefully at home at Morning Star Assisted Living, surrounded by her family as she took her final breath - just as she lived, wrapped in love.

Barb's legacy is not measured in the long list of things she did, but in the countless lives she touched. It lives on in the kindness of her children, the laughter of her grandchildren, and in every moment, someone chooses to be the first to offer help.

Her story continues through those who remain - and through every stray dog, every Cardinals game, and every gathering where someone steps up and says, "I've got it," just like she always did.

There will be a brief service at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines on Tuesday, February 24th at 11:00. Following the service, there will be a luncheon where we will celebrate Barb's life.

If you are unable to make it to the service, you can watch it livestream: https://wdm.lutheranchurchofhope.org/funeral-livestream/.