Barbara Ellen (O’Brien) McGriff passed away December 16, 2006 at Heather Manor Nursing Home in Des Moines, IA with her granddaughters, Penny Wagner and Susan Callison at her side.

She was born on February 12, 1919 in Morgan County, IL, the daughter of Blanch and John O’Brien. Her family moved to Clear Lake, Iowa when she was a small child. She was married to Martin McGriff on April 18, 1937 and shortly afterward they moved to Newton, Iowa where she was a resident for almost 70 years. They had two children, Linda Jean (McGriff) Callison, and William Robert (Bob) McGriff.

Barbara was employed by Maytag for more than 30 years when she retired in 1980. She devoted her retirement years to taking care of family members, bowling leagues, playing cards, spending time with her grandchildren and in her later years going to the Casinos.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, American Legion Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, and the Jasper County Women’s Bowling Association of which she was an avid bowler for more than 40 years.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Martin; her parents; her brothers, Dick and George O’Brien; her sisters, Esther (O’Brien) Smith and Osa (O’Brien) Tuthill; brothers-in-law, Richard Smith, Harold (Tut) Tuthill, Glenn (Slim) Fuller, and John (Jack) Carlson, and granddaughter Becky Eileen McGriff. She is survived by her daughter, Linda and husband William (Bill); her son, William Robert (Bob) and wife Liz; her sisters, Lola (Catherine) Fuller and Alice (Verle) Carlson; sister-in-law, Viola (Vie) O’Brien; six grandchildren, Elizabeth Wood, Debra House, Michael Callison, Mona Reimers, Penny Wagner, and Susan Callison; eleven great-grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place. At Barbara’s request, there will not be a funeral. A Celebration of Life is planned for February 10, 2007 which is close to the 88th anniversary of her birth. Details will follow and all friends and family are welcome to attend. The family requests that memorials be sent to Hospice of Central Iowa, or United Methodist Church at Newton.

When I am gone, release me, let me go. Be happy we had so many years. I gave you my love, and thank you for the love you each have shown.

But now it's time I traveled on alone. I won't be far away, for life goes on. So if you need me, call and I will come. Tho' you can't see or touch me, I'll be near. And then, when you must come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile and say, ëWelcome Home’.

-Author Unknown