In loving memory of

Judith "Judy" E. Barker
October 29, 1943 - April 30, 2015

Judith 'Judy' Evelyn Barker, 71, of Huxley passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2015 at Bright Kavanagh House in Des Moines. A memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 from 5:00-7:00 followed by Celebration of Life service from 7-8 p.m. at the Salem United Church of Christ in Alleman, Iowa.



Judy was born on October 29, 1943 in Davenport, Iowa to George and Elsie (Houchin) Holsman. The family relocated to Des Moines and she attended North High School. She was very active in school and was on the North High rope jumping team who won the 1st Bill Riley Talent Show at the Iowa State Fair. Judy graduated from North High School in 1961 and remained active with the Alumni Association all of her life. After school, Judy attended Grandview College and later worked for several trucking firms as an office manager/bookkeeper. She was an accountant and office manager for various other companies including Copy Systems, Inc. in Des Moines and had lastly worked at Babich and Associates Law Firm for 12 years before retiring in 2013.



Judy was very active all of her life with showing and training horses, and was a member of the Iowa Quarter Horse Association since 1982, and was a past secretary of the Rocky Mountain Quarter Horse Association. She loved helping people at the shows and was known as a 'Horse-show Mom/Grandma' to many. Above all, Judy had a great love for her family and enjoyed spending time with them and helping out any way she could. Her two grand kids were the loves of her life and she was always supporting them at whatever event they were participating in. Judy loved sewing beautiful horse show outfits for people, quilting, antiques, crafting, and she was crazy for the Iowa State Fair.



Those left to cherish her loving memories are her daughter Elizabeth (Kirk) Peterson of Huxley, Iowa; grandkids Lindy and Riley Peterson of Huxley, Iowa; brother Larry (Sheryl) Holsman of Des Moines, Iowa; nieces Valerie (Larry) Riley of Des Moines, Iowa; Bess (Nate) Schramm of Des Moines, Iowa; and a nephew Richard (Debbie) Holsman of McCall, Idaho; and many close friends.



She was preceded in death by her parents.



Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to establish a special memorial at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.



Celebrate Life Iowa has been entrusted with the cremation care of Judith.

Tributes

Celebrate Life Iowa wrote on Oct 31, 2016:

"Florist Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of Judith "Judy" E. Barker."

Jennifer Rafdal wrote on Oct 31, 2016:

"I worked with Judy at the Babich Law Firm for many years. One thing I will never forget is the way her whole body laughed when she found something funny. Her voice wouldn't make a bunch of sound...but man, you could tell she was tickled...by watching her shake with happiness! She was a tough lady...who always gave me a run for my money! But, the day I told her I was going to have a little girl (I was 24 at the time)...she was the first one to get tears in her eyes...giving me a little glimpse of her soft heart. I am sending thoughts and prayers to all of her family. Jen Rafdal"

Liz Peterson wrote on Oct 31, 2016:

"Thanks for sharing. She was tough but with a warm gooey center for sure. =)"

Jerry and Mary Hoff wrote on Oct 31, 2016:

"Jerry and I send our condolences to you liz and your family. We really enjoyed talking to Judy at all the horse shows. She was a delight to be around. We will remember all the good laughs we had at the horse shows."

Liz Peterson wrote on Oct 31, 2016:

"She loved you guys and enjoyed the time spent in your presence."

Michelle wrote on Oct 31, 2016:

"A wonderful lady! Comfort to your family."

Sharon (Sappenfield) Sobieski wrote on Oct 31, 2016:

"A great and funny high school friend. She was one of a kind. Will miss her. Sharon (Sappenfield) Sobieski."

Liz Peterson wrote on Oct 31, 2016:

"She talked about the funny stories with you and your friends all the time. Sounds like you all had a great time growing up!"

deborah Larkin wrote on Oct 31, 2016:

"Last August on the first Friday of the state fair your Mom showed us the most polished practice for pinning competition numbers on saddle pads. We could tell she wanted all the contestants to look and do their best. We will miss her this State Fair. Deb Larkin and Katherine Hodge"

Liz Peterson wrote on Oct 31, 2016:

"Thanks for sharing Deb. She really liked helping, especially 4-H'ers."

Liz Peterson wrote on Oct 31, 2016:

"Dear Family and Friends, I encourage you share a special memory here of my mother here on this page. Funny, serious, whatever. It's so great to see the way she impacted lives and is helpful in our healing process. Thank you so much!"