Barbara Blue Dittmar

Barbara Blue Dittmar, 95, died April 2, 2024 at Wesely Acres in Des Moines.
Barbara was born in Eagle Grove on June 15, 1928 to Robert Donald Blue and Cathlene Beale Blue. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines in 1946 and from Drake University in 1950, where she also worked toward a Master's Degree. She was a high school English teacher for one year and then the Order Librarian of the Des Moines Public Library for two years. In 1953 and 1954 she lived in Japan. She was a telephone counselor for Youth Line, a volunteer counselor in the Women's Center at Drake University and a staff member and workshop leader for Women's Programs at Drake. She was a Board member of First Unitarian Church, a founding Board member of the Prescribed Activity Center for Children, and a member of the Polk County Child Care Council. With two partners she had an art studio in Valley Junction, was an instructor at the Des Moines Art Center and worked in the Art Center Museum shop. She also was a volunteer interviewer for the Des Moines Public Library's Oral History Project.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Douglas Dittmar and brother, Donald Blue. Survivors include sons: Rob (Brenda Laurel) Tow, William (Vicki) Tow, Jack Tow; grandchildren: Suzanne, Kathleen, Emily, Spencer and Benjamin Tow.
Memorial contributions may be made to Des Moines Art Center.
Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.
Arrangements by Iles Dunn's Chapel
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