Barbara Jean Mather

Barbara Jean Mather, 79, of Johnston, Iowa passed away peacefully at her home. Barbara was born on January 30, 1946, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the daughter of Herbert and Virginia (Sergeant) Raney and grew up on a farm with her siblings in Livermore, Iowa.

She received her education in Bode, Iowa, and graduated from Twin Rivers School in 1964. Barbara went on to attend beauty school and worked as a cosmetologist for a time, but spent most of her career as a receptionist and administrative assistant in the banking and dental industries.

On October 4, 2003, she married James Mather. Together, they made their home in the Johnston community where she cherished time spent with her grandchildren and serving her church. Barbara was an active member of New Hope United Methodist Church where she served on many committees, sang in the choir, and served as a Lay Minister.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her loving husband James; her son, Neil Baker of Margate, FL; her son Mark (Wendy) Baker of Dakota Dunes, SD; her daughter, Trisha Ellis of Sioux City, IA; her chosen daughter, Amber Thompson of Sioux City, IA: her step-daughter Trisha Mather of Albuquerque, NM; siblings Judy Swanson of Sioux City, IA; Ron (Sandy) Raney of Baxter, IA, and Cindy Fitch of Waukee, IA; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; many nieces and nephews; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, whom she adored.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Memory of Barb Mather to The Mission Cancer Foundation at 100 E. Grand Ave Suite 250 Des Moines, IA 50309.