Barb Paul

Barb Paul

Grinnell

Barb Paul, 86, of Grinnell and formerly of Lynnville, died on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at St. Francis Manor in Grinnell.

A funeral service was held at 10:30 am, Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at the Lynnville Friends Church with Pastor Jamie Bogaard officiating. Interment will be in the Friends Cemetery in Lynnville. A luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall of the Lynnville Friends Church.

Barb's family received friends at the visitation held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Monday, January 20, 2025 at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell.

Memorials may be designated to the Lynnville Friends Church and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Barb's family online at www.smithfh.com.

Barbara Kay Evans was born on August 17, 1938, in Oskaloosa, Iowa and was the cherished daughter of Ralph and Eleanor (Smith) Evans. She grew up in Lynnville, Sully, Texas, and California, respectively. The family returned to Lynnville, where she graduated from Lynnville High School in 1956. She pursued her passion for beauty at Thompson Beauty School in Des Moines, later returning to Lynnville to build a life rooted in family, community, and faith.

On June 25, 1957, Barbara married Robert Paul in Lynnville, and their union was blessed with a son, Jeffrey. Together, they made their home in Lynnville, where Barbara owned and operated the Lynnville Beauty Shop for many years. Her clients, some of whom drove long distances, appreciated her exceptional skill and warm, personal touch.

After Robert's passing in 1986, Barbara continued to live in Lynnville, later dedicating herself as a caregiver to others. She was a lifelong and faithful member of the Lynnville Friends Church, where she found great joy in singing.

Barbara's enjoyments were many: she loved making ceramics, reading, and watching sermons on television. Above all, her family and faith were central to her life. She will be remembered for her generous spirit, steadfast faith, and the countless hours she spent praying for others. She was gracious, kind, and deeply devoted to those she loved.

Barb is survived by her son, Jeff (Pam) Paul of Grinnell; granddaughter, Mandy Paul of Searsboro, IA and her children, Kaylin and Gage Lang; her brother, Dennis (Tricia) Evans of Newton, IA; her nephews, Scott, Eric, and Josh Evans; her great-nephews, Jensen, Koby, and Tristan Evans; and her stepchildren, Marilyn Elscott Williams, Roger Elscott, and Maxine Elscott Van Wyk. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert; her grandson, Randall Paul; and her brother, Dale Evans.