Barbara Jean Rodgers

Barbara Jean Rodgers, 95, passed away peacefully in Knoxville, Iowa on January 3, 2024. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Knoxville. A visitation will take place at 9:30 a.m. prior to the service. Barb will be interred at Graceland Cemetery following services.

Barb was born on December 6, 1928, on a farm in rural Hamilton, Iowa to Henry and Ethel (Richmond) Harrison. She was raised on the family farm with her seven siblings. She attended Hamilton and Lovilia Schools, graduating from Lovilia in 1946. Following graduation, Barb was united in marriage to Thomas Jack Reed in 1947. They were blessed with four children. They raised their children on a farm in Bussey, Iowa. They later divorced and Barb married James Dale Rodgers, and they stayed married until Dale’s passing in 1975.

Barb held various positions during her professional career. She was employed by the State of Iowa, working for the Department of Human Services and the DOT. She also worked for Marion County, Green Thumb Inc., Heenan Real Estate Company, and American Coals Corporation. After many decades of work, Barb retired on September 8, 2009.

Barb was a people person who loved spending time with her family and friends. She took immense pride in being a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother. She cherished the time she spent with her family. Any person who had the pleasure of knowing Barb could attest to her kindness. She had a big heart, always thinking of others before herself. Her favorite activity was writing letters to her family and friends.

Left to cherish Barb’s memory are her children, Steven (JoAnn) Reed, Craig (Carol) Reed, Mark (Jacque Sabin) Reed, and Susan (Joe) Molitor; siblings, Donald Harrison, and Beverly Lamphier; eight grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren, and thirteen great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dale; brothers, Kenneth Harrison, Gerald Harrison, and Robert Harrison; sisters, Ruth Hunt, and Margaret Vanderlinden; and daughters in-law, Penny Reed, and Cathy Reed.

Memorials in Barb’s name can be made to Every Step Hospice.