Barbara Jean (Pray) Phillips, 93, formerly of Chariton, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2025, at her assisted living home in Bondurant.

Barbara Jean Pray was born November 21, 1931, in her family home in Bethlehem, Iowa, Wayne County.  She attended country school until her family moved to Humeston Iowa, where she completed her education and graduated from Humeston High School in 1949.  She worked for several years as a bank teller following graduation.  On August 15, 1953, she married Rex Phillips. They lived in Humeston until they later moved to Chariton.

Barbara and Rex had three daughters, Dawn Lynn, Brenda Sue and Megan Lea and raised their children in Chariton.  Barbara was a kind, creative person.  She liked sewing and made a lot of clothes for the girls and sometimes did sewing and mending for others, and as gifts. She enjoyed cooking, trying new recipes and baking.  She had a well-known fondness for ice cream and frequently shared it with her dog, Archie. She was also an avid reader and passed along her love of books to her children, grandchildren, and other children in her care. 

While she was a caring person and very close to her family, she was especially kind to her grandparents. She loved children and we called her the “baby whisperer” as her calm nature was sure to quiet even the fussiest baby. She did in home daycare and later became a special caretaker to family friend Jesica. Music was also important in her life; in her younger years she did some singing, and she was well known for her humming!

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Rex, infant daughter, Dawn, and parents Hazel and Ardys Pray. 

Barbara is survived by her daughters, Brenda Phillips (Doug Gardner) of Urbandale, and Megan Hopkins of Colfax; brother Bill Pray of Tampa, Florida, sister Judy Allie of Windsor Heights; grandchildren Nicole Ginther (Nick) of Waukee, Graham Gardner of Clive, great grandchildren, Ava, Aubrey and Owen, and many close and special nieces and nephews and family friends.

A kind, caring, creative light in our lives, she was so loved and will be greatly missed. Per her wishes she was cremated with her final resting place in New York cemetery in Wayne County, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Every Step Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association.