Barbara A. Guthrie

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Barbara Ann Guthrie, 80, of Urbandale, Iowa, on November 3, 2025. After a courageous seven-year battle with dementia, she is now in God's loving embrace. We find comfort in knowing she is free from struggle and at peace.
After a long good bye and honoring the wishes of her husband, there will be no formal services held. The family will have a private farewell and inurnment at Resthaven Cemetery. We welcome all to send cards and messages with your thoughts and memories to Jim and the family at Iles Westover Funeral Home or Jim's Barber Shop.
Barb was born October 10, 1945, in Chariton, Iowa. As the daughter of a Navy man, she spent her early years living in New Orleans and Washington, D.C. before returning to Chariton. She was an avid swimmer who loved spending her summers at the city pool and Red Haw Lake. Barb attended Chariton High School, and after graduation moved to Des Moines to attend Americana Beauty Academy.
On October 20, 1963, Barb married the love of her life, James Guthrie. During this time, she worked at a small salon in Des Moines while Jim completed Barber School. In 1964, they moved to Urbandale, Iowa, where they purchased Jim's Barber and Beauty, attended St. Stephen Lutheran Church, and created a beautiful life for their two children, Michael and Anne.
Barb was a loving mother, homemaker, and devoted wife. As Jim's business partner, she contributed in countless ways-managing the books, cleaning, shopping, and faithfully bringing him lunch each day.
Barb poured her heart into raising Michael and Anne. She was PTA President, homeroom mom, scout leader, Concessions Manager at Urbandale Little League and much more. She was a competitive and supportive dance, softball, baseball, and football mom who loved attending her children's activities and getting to know all their friends. Her home was a welcoming place where kids could stop by anytime for conversation-and her famous ham sandwich.
She was also a beloved and well-known "wrestling mom," often taking carloads of boys to tournaments across the state and hosting huge breakfasts after early morning weigh-ins. Her love of family and friends was evident in her passion for hosting Christmas gatherings, Easter egg hunts, and Fourth of July celebrations.
After her children graduated, Barb worked for Eye Exam 2000 and Merle Norman Cosmetics. She was a talented makeup artist who loved fashion, the art of a well-styled outfit, and, of course, the thrill of shopping to create her signature look. Her skill for bargain hunting-paired with her generous spirit-often benefited her family and friends, especially her grandsons, Dakota and Dalton.
Barb's most cherished role was that of Nana. She poured boundless love, time, and energy into her grandsons, embracing every moment with them as life's greatest joy. She insisted on doing all her grandsons' newborn laundry personally, provided childcare so they never attended daycare, and faithfully attended all their activities and milestones.
In her later years, Barb and Jim enjoyed many trips to Branson, Missouri, where she loved the shows and meeting country music legends. Together, they created lasting memories with their kids and grandkids-from concerts and mini-golf to go-karts and scenic drives through the Ozarks.
Barb is survived by her husband of 62 years, James Guthrie of Urbandale; daughter Anne Guthrie of Urbandale; grandsons Dakota Townes of Grimes and Dalton (Sarah) Townes of Urbandale; and sister Terry (Dwayne) Jackson of Altoona.
She was preceded in death by her beloved son Michael Guthrie and her parents, Francis Doser and Ruth (Orville) Romine.
Private Family services will be held and burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery, West Des Moines, IA
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