Barbara J Fulitano

Barbara J. (Smith) (Schneider) Fulitano, age 77, of West Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 26, 2025, surrounded by loving family and friends.

Born on September 25, 1948, to Alfred and Phyllis (Rath) Smith, Barb was born and raised in Carroll, Iowa. At the age of two, she contracted polio and underwent treatment at Blank Memorial Hospital and The Junior League Convalescent Home in Des Moines. Despite losing the use of her left leg, she faced life with unwavering determination. Her strength and independence were evident from a young age and continued throughout her life.

Barb graduated from Carroll Kuemper High School in 1966 and later worked as a dispatcher for the Harlan Police Department. On March 20, 1971, she married Russell Schneider at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia, Iowa. They had one son, Barry, and moved to Des Moines to begin their life together. In 1978, Barbara began a 33-year career at United Parcel Service (UPS), where she worked in customer service and billing. Russ passed away in 1987.

On April 21, 2001, Barbara married David Fulitano at Christ the King Church in Des Moines. Together they enjoyed each other's companionship, traveling across the U.S. and Europe, and many pets over the years. After retiring in May 2011, Barbara volunteered at Iowa Lutheran Hospital. David passed away in May 2025.

Barb is survived by her son Barry (Julie) Schneider of Des Moines; brothers James, Richard, William (Carla), and Alan (Mary Ann) Smith; numerous sisters- and brothers-in-law; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and lifelong friends.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Phyllis (Rath) Smith; brother Thomas Smith; first husband Russell Schneider; second husband David Fulitano; parents in-law Walter and Doris (Finken) Schneider and Joseph and Joyce (Halligan) Fulitano; brothers-in-law Kenneth and Ric Schneider, Ken Foxhoven and George Gingrich; and sisters-in-law Jane Foxhoven and Connie Schneider.

Barb will be laid to rest at St. Boniface Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 16th, following the 10:00 a.m. mass at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara's memory to ChildServe.