Barbara Jo Fulitano

Barbara Jo (Smith) (Schneider) Fulitano, age 77, of West Des Moines, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and friends after spending six days at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines.

Born on September 25, 1948, to Alfred and Phyllis (Rath) Smith, Barb grew up in Carroll, Iowa, where she faced early adversity with remarkable courage and persistence. After contracting polio at the age of two, she spent months receiving treatment at Blank Memorial Hospital and The Junior League Convalescent Home in Des Moines. Though she lost the use of her left leg, Barb never allowed her disability to define her. As a young girl, she could often be seen walking all around Carroll, with braces and crutches, determined to live life on her own terms. And as an adult, she continued to live her life with determination and desire for independence. Before the Americans with Disabilities Act existed, Barb once had to prove to a prospective employer that she could navigate stairs and enter the building unassisted before they would grant her an interview-she did and she got the job. Her resilience was truly inspiring!

Barb graduated from Carroll Kuemper High School in 1966 and later moved to Harlan, where she worked as a dispatcher for the Harlan Police Department for several years. On March 20, 1971, she was united in marriage to Russell Schneider at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia, Iowa. They were blessed with one son, Barry, and soon after relocated to Des Moines to start their lives together.

In 1978 she accepted a job at United Parcel Service (UPS), where over the next 33 years she built a career in customer service and billing. Tragically, Russ passed away in 1987.

Years later, Barb found love again and married David Fulitano on April 21, 2001, at Christ the King Church in Des Moines. Together, Barb and Dave shared an appreciation for nature, enjoyed "going for a drive" to their favorite local spots, and explored the U.S. and several destinations across Europe. After retiring in May 2011, Barb continued to keep busy and served her community as a volunteer at Iowa Lutheran Hospital. Dave passed away in May 2025.

Barb's life was filled with joy, laughter, and meaningful companionship. She loved her extended families and close friends. She treasured her daily interaction, texting and playing word games with her sister-in-law Lyn, and enjoyed many lunches and get-togethers with her UPS girlfriends, Bev, Lyne, Deb, Connie, Brenda, and others. She adored her pets-goldendoodle Maxx, cat Emma, and a beloved lineup of prior dogs including Oscar, Zoro, Zelda, Zoey, and Van Gogh.

Barb is survived by her son Barry (Julie) Schneider of Des Moines; triplet brothers James, Richard, and William (Carla) of Carroll; brother Alan (Mary Ann) Smith of Elkhart; sisters-in-law Anne (Jim) Trees, Jeannie (Gary) Nogel, Joy (Dave) Barsetti, Jill (John) Avery, Kim Schneider, Jan Schneider, Mary (Gary) Fitzgerald, Denise (Mark) Andries, Jeanie (Ken) Friesen, Sandy (John) Bush, Pam Gingrich; and brothers-in-law John (Bridget) Fulitano, Jerome "Buzz" Schneider and Allen (Sue) Schneider. She also leaves behind 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 11:00AM on Sunday, November 16th, following the 10:00AM mass at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barb's memory to ChildServe (formerly The Junior League Convalescent Home for Children).