Heishman, Barbara

Barbara HeishmanBarbara Heishman, 80, of Grinnell, died Friday, July 24, 2009, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the First Presbyterian Church in Grinnell. Burial will be in Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell. Visitation will be held from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell, where the family will be present from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday evening.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church in Grinnell.

Barbara was born on Sept. 21, 1928, in Montezuma to Osman and Mildred Jacobs Mason. She was raised in Montezuma and was a 1946 graduate of Montezuma High School. While in high school, she was a drum majorette and twirler with the marching band. On Dec. 6, 1953, Barbara was married to Lyle E. Heishman in Montezuma, where they resided for a short time. Barbara was employed as the secretary to the Poweshiek County School Superintendent. Later, they moved to the farm near Malcom where she was a homemaker. The couple moved to Grinnell in 1999. In October 2008, Barbara moved to Mason City. Barbara was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Grinnell. She served as an Elder and Deacon, taught Sunday school, and was active with the Presbyterian Women. She was a member of the Eastern Star and also the Welcome-In Club in the Sheridan Township area.

Barbara was devoted to her family and was active in her children's lives. She enjoyed attending all of their activities. She loved going to church and socializing with her family and friends. Her interests also included all kinds of games, shopping, cooking and baking. She was proficient on her computer and was an avid reader.

Survivors include three daughters, Peggy (Randy) German of Grinnell, Betsy (Bob) McConnell of Fort Collins, Colo., and Lisa (Greg) Shirk of Mason City; five grandchildren, Brooke (Kevin) Hakert of Tolleson, Ariz., Cole German and his friend, Jonna Shiver, of West Des Moines, Jessie McConnell of Fort Collins, Brittney Shirk of Davenport, and Kyra Shirk of Mason City; one great-granddaughter, Kamryn Hakert; and one sister, Ruth Rabenold of Montezuma.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and one granddaughter, Faith Shirk.