Barb Charls, age 81, died December 28, 2016 at Unity Point Taylor House Hospice from complications of pancreatic cancer. Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 3rd at Coburn Funeral Home in Prairie City, from 2-8 pm, with family present from 6-8 PM. Services will be at Prairie City Church of the Brethren on Wednesday, January 4th at 10:30. Burial will take place at Waveland Cemetery. Barb was born August 24th, 1935 to parents Andrew and Avis Vande Lune. She was a lifelong resident of Prairie City, growing up on a farm west of town on Hwy 163, and graduating from Prairie City High School. Barb was united in marriage to Richard "Dick" Charls on June 4th, 1956 and they made their home in Prairie City. She worked for the State of Iowa Department of Health Vital Statistics until 1962 after which time she stayed home to raise her children. During this time she was an excellent seamstress, raised a large garden, tended her flowers, and usually had many side projects underway. She returned to work in 1984 for the Department of Health Professional Licensure until 1999, when she retired. Barb was active in the Prairie City Church of the Brethren singing in the choir, participating in Women's Fellowship, and teaching adult Sunday School. She was involved in many community groups including Book Club, Mother's Club, Garden Club, and the Historical Society where she enjoyed coffee time and trading stories. She enjoyed Thursday morning bible study at the Christian Reformed Church. She had an ability for offering care and companionship to those in need in the community. Barb and Dick enjoyed travel in the U.S. and abroad throughout their married years. Barb was an avid reader and gardener, continuing to work on her perennial gardens until late this fall. Barb enjoyed over 2 years of a full and active life after her cancer diagnosis, and was appreciative of every day. Barb was preceded in death by her husband Dick, and brother, Ronnie Vande Lune, four brothers-in-law and a sister in law. Barb is survived by her son Tim, wife Connie, grandchildren Brandon and Courtney, and her daughter Kathy Dewald, husband Wade, grandchildren Spencer and Stephanie, three sisters Lenora Witzenburg, Phyllis Cabbage, Ruth (Les) Lourens, sister-in-law Eileen Taylor, and many nieces and nephews. Memorials can be made to the Prairie City Church of the Brethren, Prairie City Library, Prairie City Historical Society or Hope Ministries of Des Moines. Condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com . The family extends a special thanks to the Unity Point Taylor House Hospice staff for their compassionate care during her last days.

Visitation

Coburn Funeral Home of Prairie City 201 S. Marshall Prairie City, IA 50228 The family will greet friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Service

Prairie City Church of the Brethren 12015 Hwy F70 W Prairie City, Iowa 50228 Burial will follow at Waveland Cemetery 10:30 AM