Barbara Ellen Kurtz

Barbara Ellen Kurtz

Fairfield

Barbara Ellen Kurtz 92 of Fairfield passed away on Friday March 8, 2024 at her home in Fairfield. Visitation will open at 2:00PM on Wednesday March 13, 2024 with the family present from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield. Gifts to a memorial in Barb’s honor to Every Step Hospice or St. Mary Catholic Church may be left at the funeral home or mailed to the family at 3302 West Van Buren Avenue, Fairfield, IA 52556. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Barbara was born on September 9, 1931, the daughter of Donald Marley and Gladys Miksch Marley. She was raised and went to school in the Fairfield School District, graduating with the High School Class of 1950. Barbara married Herman J. Kurtz on July 22, 1950, and they lived and operated a farm in the Packwood, Iowa area.

Herman was drafted into the Marine Corp in 1952 and they spent the next three years in Southern California. At the end of his service, they returned to farming in Packwood. There they raised four children, Mark, Jeff, Joanne, and Patrick. Barbara continued working in the farming operation with her husband. She also worked at Walker Office Supply in Fairfield and enjoyed her time there. Herman passed away in 1984 and Barbara continued with the management and operation of the farm along with the help of her three sons until her passing.

Barbara was an artist and enjoyed making oil paintings for her family and friends later in life. She also enjoyed spending time in her garden and tending to her flowers. She was also an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Fairfield.

Barbara is survived by her four children, Mark Kurtz of Fairfield, Jeff (Christy) Kurtz of Libertyville, Pat (Laura) Kurtz of Packwood and Joanne Doria of Silverdale, Washington, grandchildren, Aaron (Stacy) Brake, Barbara (Tom) Evans, Joshua (Jenny) Kurtz, Dustin (Rachel) Kurtz, Colton (Kelli) Kurtz, Brittany (Cole) Calvert and Kylie (Travis) Kurtz, ten great grandchildren, and a sister-in-law, Rosemary Marley of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, Ed Marley and Bill Marley, and a sister-in-law, Ann Marley.