Barbara Lee Washburn

Barbara Lee Washburn, passed away on January 25, 2025, at the age of 74. She was born on November 13, 1950, in Ottumwa, Iowa.As a child, Barb spent many years living in Boone Iowa before moving to Mondamin Iowa. She was a 1969 graduate of West Harrison High School and soon after she married Stephen Holben. They lived in Pisgah Iowa and together had two children, Amy and Kevin. Although divorced several years later, Stephen remained a dedicated co-parent to their children. Years later Barb would move to Council Bluffs Iowa where she would meet the love of her life Harold Washburn. They were married on October 4th, 1997. Together they enjoyed several trips together including one of Barb's favorite places to visit, San Diego. Barb had an insatiable love for Halloween as did Harold and they loved to dress up for the holiday. Barb worked at a few different grocery stores throughout the area but worked the longest at No Frills. She loved helping people and got to know many of the customers personally. Barb loved spending time with her family and very rarely missed a family gathering. Spending time with her grandkids was extremely important to her. She never wanted to miss any of their activities and was the only one who really wanted to help dye Easter eggs or carve pumpkins. She was also very good at crafting and would often leave things that she made on the doorstep of Kevin and Amy's house when they weren't home. But perhaps the one thing she loved to do the most is spoiling her beloved Bulldog Ellie. It's speculated that she loved Ellie more than any other possession. She loved watching her chase the squirrels, rabbits and deer in their backyard and would always take her on walks in their neighborhood. Ellie was a master at stealing the grandkids shoes when they came over but Barb always knew where to find them, in the bedroom closet. Harold, Ellie, and her family…that was her whole world. 

Barbara was preceded in death by: Leonard Keith, Wanda Faye Keith, and Dennis Keith.

She is survived by her loving spouse, Harold Washburn; her daughter, Amy (James) Tijerina; her son, Kevin (Andrea) Holben; her sister, Kristie (Noel) Stoddard; and her treasured grandchildren: Collin, Conner, Cameron, Jackson, Kiersten, and Jade. Barbara's legacy of love and compassion will continue to shine through them.

Memorial Service will be at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the memorial service, also at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer's Association.