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Barnhill, Jean
Jean Barnhill of Iowa City, formerly of West Liberty and Oskaloosa, breathed her first breath of eternal life on Aug. 12, 2010. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Liberty, with the funeral service following at 7 p.m. Burial will be in Forest Cemetery, Oskaloosa, on Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Norma Jean Prine was born Oct. 30, 1925, in Boone, Iowa, to Henry H. and Lois Else Prine. She graduated from Oskaloosa High School and attended AIB in Des Moines. Jean was united in marriage to Fred E. Barnhill on Dec. 17, 1944, at First Christian Church in Oskaloosa by the Rev. Edgar L. Knight. They later divorced.
Jean raised her family in University Park (near Oskaloosa) and West Liberty. After moving to West Liberty in 1960, Jean and her former husband owned and operated Miller's Department Store for over 20 years. She was deeply involved in taking care of the Prine Family century farm in Oskaloosa. A one-room schoolhouse located on the farm was later donated to the Nelson Pioneer Farm and Museum in Oskaloosa. While residing in West Liberty, Jean was an active member of the United Methodist Church. Jean later worked at Riepe, Buchanan and Piper in Iowa City.
Jean was a devoted mother and grandmother.
She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, Forrest Barnhill, Tyler and Jaclyn James; and stepgrandson, Chad Banken. Jean enjoyed watching Hawkeye football with her brother, Bob, and NASCAR races. Jean spent many relaxing hours sewing for herself and for others.
Jean is survived by her children: Joan Barnhill, Des Moines; Larry (Sue) Barnhill, North Liberty; Bonnie (Brian) James, Oskaloosa; and Candy Barnhill of Iowa City; and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by Ann Marie, infant daughter; an infant son; her parents, brother and sister.
Jean will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
The family of Jean Barnhill would like to express their sincere appreciation to the dedicated staff at Mercy Iowa City and Iowa City Hospice for their compassionate care of Jean during her extended illness. Also a special thanks to longtime friends Betty and Verena.
Online condolences may be made to the family at
A memorial fund has been established.
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