Barbara Jean Maier

Barbara Jean Maier was born on June 22 nd, 1939, in Des Moines, IA and passed away peacefully at EveryStep Kavanagh House on January 21, 2026, surrounded by her loving children.

Services will be held Tuesday, February 10, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. The visitation will be held 1 hour prior at 10:00 a.m., at Merle Hay Chapel Funeral Home, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, with burial following the service in Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery. Following the burial, everyone is welcome to attend the luncheon back in the chapel.

Barbara, 86, was born to Robert and Eva (Cox) Smith. She attended and graduated from Roosevelt High School. On April 3, 1959, she married Robert Maier, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and devotion, raising three wonderful children: Debbie, Dianne, and David.

Barbara was known for being incredibly detail-oriented, a trait that served her well during her 25-year career as a bank teller. Above all, Barbara treasured time spent with family-celebrating holidays, milestones, and everyday moments that meant the world to her. Family truly was everything to her. She especially enjoyed playing games like Aggravation, and her love of ice cream was well known.

Her faith was also a guiding light throughout her life. Barbara was deeply involved at St. Paul Lutheran Church, where she shared her gifts in countless ways-from playing the piano, to helping with Vacation Bible School and confirmation, serving on church council, and supporting many other ministries over the years in the church.

Barbara is survived by her children, Debbie Wayman, Dianne (Matt) Egenes, and David (Deb) Maier; seven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and her sister, Irene (John) Thomas.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Maier; her parents, Robert and Eva Smith; her brother, Norman Smith; and her son-in-law, Dennis Wayman.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to EveryStep Kavanagh House.