Barbara Ellen Franklin

Barbara, age 86, passed away Monday April 2, 2018 at Kavanagh House, Des Moines, Iowa. She was born October 21, 1931 to Robert and Lena (Jeffrey) Bogle in Birmingham, Iowa. Barbara graduated from Birmingham High School and married her high school sweetheart, Merel Franklin. They settled in Ottumwa, Iowa and had a wonderful life together for 61 years. Much of her life was spent on a farm just east of Ottumwa with her family. They enjoyed the rural setting that provided many great memories with friends and family; especially their grandkids. Barbara always enjoyed being in the kitchen and was well known for her cooking acumen. Barbara was a longtime and active member of First Christian Church in Ottumwa. She was also a past president of the Kings Daughter organization. Outside the home, Barbara worked for 40 years as a hair stylist for The Beauty Box in Ottumwa. In their retirement years and after selling their farm, she and her husband Merel, moved to Des Moines, Iowa in 1995. They also enjoyed spending winters in Mesa, Arizona. Preceding Barbara in death were her husband Merel and son Lonny. Survivors include her son James of St. Louis; daughter Barbara (Ross) deBuhr of Des Moines; grandchildren Cory (Craig) Roehrs of Longmont, Colorado; Kristine Franklin of St. Louis; Spencer Franklin of St. Louis; Brian (Amy) deBuhr of Des Moines; Sara (Mark) Olsson of Des Moines; and great grandchildren Katie and Ellie Roehers, Benjamin and Charlie deBuhr, and Elliott Olsson. A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date per Barbara’s request. Memorials may be given to Kavanagh House, Des Moines, Iowa.