Moonlight Barnes

Moonlight Barnes passed away on July 16, 2023. She was born on December 31, 1943 in Vietnam. In 1975 she immigrated to the United States. She worked oversees as a Teacher then worked for Olmsted Elementary in Urbandale. She attended Pre-Med overseas. She also obtained her Human Services degree at DMACC. She married the love of her life Bob on April 27, 1991.

Moonlight’s creative spirit was evident from an early age. She discovered her passion for drawing and painting as a child and continued her artistic skills throughout her life. Art was not just a hobby for her, but an inseparable part of her. One of her greatest joys was visiting art museums. She loved the Louvre in Paris. She would spend countless hours immersed in the galleries, studying the artwork inspired by the amazing artists. Beyond her personal artistry, Moonlight was also a generous and supportive member of the Local French Club, Alliance Francaise. She also volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club.

Moonlight was fluent in French, Vietnamese, and English - it was one of her greatest assets. She believed that language was a gateway to understanding different cultures and perspectives.

Moonlights love for hats was an intrinsic part of her identity. Whether it was a wide-brimmed hat adorned with vibrant flowers or a whimsical fascinator that defied convention, she used these fashion accessories as an extension of her vibrant personality. Moonlight saw hats as an art form, a way to express her creativity and bring joy to those around her. She would often gift her belongings to friends and family no matter the price. Her thoughtful gestures brightened their days and left an indelible mark of her love and kindness.

Moonlight had an extraordinary passion for gardening, a love that transcended weather conditions. Rain or shine, she would put on her makeshift gear, adorning her head and feet with grocery sacks to protect herself while tending to her beloved garden. The title “the flower lady” was a fitting tribute to Moonlight’s unique relationship with nature. Her garden bloomed with an abundance of vibrant colors and fragrant blossoms.

Beyond her stylish hats, Moonlight was a gentle soul who radiated warmth and compassion. She had an unwavering ability to uplift the spirits of those around her. Her presence was like a blossoming garden, bringing comfort to all who crossed her path. In her quest to be helpful, she was often brutally honest.

She is survived by her husband Robert “Bob”; sons Cumi (Alma), Ron La Rue, Kasey Barnes and Kelly (Tricia) Barnes; grandchildren Leomi (David) Ly, Shawn Tran, Aden Tate, Brynn Tate, Kaitlyn (Jake) Frier, Olivia (Camden) Winther, Jacob Barnes, Alexa and Zaccary Chance; great-grandchild Charlotte Frier; mother-in-law Carolyn Barnes; siblings Dung “Agnes” Tran, Chi “Cindy” Tran, Thanh Tran Lam, Thien (Billie Sue) Tran, Giang “Lisa” Tran; and a large number of extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 21, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Urbandale. A service will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at 1:00 pm at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Urbandale. Burial will be held at Glendale Cemetery. Please join the family for a luncheon following the burial at Creekside Church, 2743 82nd Pl, Urbandale.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the National Kidney Association or to the American Heart Association.

Rest in peace, dear Moonlight. Your memory will forever be adorned with the petals of love and the elegance of a well-worn hat.

Please join us in paying a tribute to Moonlight by wearing a hat to her funeral.