Barbara Lindley Tool a longtime resident of Prairie City passed away May 21, 2025, at her residence. Celebration of life will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 10:00 am at the Prairie City United Methodist Church. Her burial will follow at Waveland

Cemetery. The family will greet friends at the church with a luncheon from 11:30 – 1:00 pm. Condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com

The daughter of Russell Max and Violet (Copelan) Lindley, Barbara was born on September 19, 1948, in Moline, Illinois. Barbara was the sixth born of seven children. She later moved to Iowa and graduated from Moravia High School in 1966.

Barbara had two children: Marcy and Juston from a prior marriage before marrying Dennis Tool in 1983. Through her marriage to Dennis, she gained two additional children: Laura and John Tool.

Barbara worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Iowa for approximately 38 years, before retiring in 2011. Her work at (BCBS) dealt primarily with government contracts involving Medicare programs. She also was also responsible for opening a

satellite office in Prairie City. Barbara graduated from Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) and completed additional classes at Drake University. It was Barbara's passion to help those in need. This included numerous short term

mission trips to Haiti through her work with Team Iowa Missions. She also donated time and talents in working with numerous organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Ronald McDonald House, Youth Emergency Shelter Services (YESS),

and schools among others.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dennis, and her sister Shirley. She is survived by her children Marcy Wilkerson, Juston (Laura) Jennings, John (Tammy) Tool and Laura (Jay) Grimes, 10 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and 2 godchildren. Siblings John Lindley, Ken (Sara) Lindley, and Richard Delaney.

Sister-in-laws Phyllis (Val) Olson and Pat (Dwight) Tool.

In Barbara's own words:

I had too many flaws to be perfect, but too many blessings to be ungrateful.

I wanted to take one last opportunity to thank my family and friends for

always being with me through my life's journey. You have been there to share

laughter and tears.

You were there to help me with the passing of my husband! You were there

when I didn't feel like cooking and brought me food. During some of my

chemo treatments & doctor visit, you were there! You were there to help with

my passion for Haiti through prayers, helping by sponsoring a child, donating

money for food or to build a house. You were there to help with a sewing

program at YESS. You gave your talent and time to teach girls how to sew.

During my time volunteering at Moulton Elementary and realizing that there

were kids that needed winter coats and gloves, you were there to conduct a

coat drive. You put many smiles on the youngsters' faces in addition to

keeping them warm.

You were there when I needed hand sanitizer for the homeless bags. You were

there to distribute the bags through the skywalk in Des Moines. You were

there when the lake property needed work/mowed and picking up those awful

nuts (LOL). I am also thankful for my family who have treated the two little

boys, Brannon and Aiden, I met through Project Connect and Big Brothers Big

Sisters as family. They were 8 and 9 when I met them and they are now adults.

Thankful to God for giving me the best children Marcy, Juston, Laura J. and

Laura G, grandchildren: Ryan, Jordyn, Josh, Derek, Trent, Makenlee, Kolbe,

Lily, Leah, and Nolan, great-grandchildren: Ayden, Hartley, Hayzley, Huxten,

Drake and Hayze. God Children Miguerline & Mikerson. Siblings, John,

Richard, Ken (Sara), Shirley and in-laws: Phyllis (Val) and Pat (Dwight) and

church family & friends I could have!!

Thank you to my family & friends for all the help, prayers and words of

encouragement, especially the couple past year.

Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous. Don't be afraid. Don't be discouraged

For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

To my family and friends be strong, have--Hope, Joy and gratitude, go forth in

LOVE.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations by check to Team Iowa Mission, C/O, Sara Lindley, PO Box 246, Blakesburg, IA 52536 or via PayPal. Please contact the family to arrange cash donations.