Obituary of Barbara L. Elliott

Barbara Lee Elliott, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, January 5, 2016, in Iowa City. She was born July 1, 1923 in Monticello, Illinois to the late Jonah and Mabel Conard. Barbara grew up in the middle of a large and active farm family in Central Illinois during the Depression. Her parents sacrificed so that every one of their children went to college. Barbara attended Purdue University, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and was elected Freshmen Queen and met the love of her life, "Bump" Elliott. She graduated in 1946 with a degree with Home Economics. Barbara and Bump were married April 30, 1949, and they enjoyed 66 wonderful years together. Above everything, Barbara kept a loving home for her husband and family. The consummate "coaches wife", she endured the defeats and celebrated the victories and always had a big pot of chili waiting after every game. She was proud, intensely private, loyal and very tough. She was active in the Iowa City community, serving St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in many capacities, was co-chair (with Bump) of the Iowa City Library Renovation Fundraising Committee, a long-time reader in the "Rockin' Reader" volunteer program, a member of the Hillcrest Family Services Board of Trustees among many other callings. A friend once said, "Barbara's volunteer time is spent helping others less fortunate." Barbara is survived by her husband Bump, her sister Carol Hake, brother William Conard (Marilyn), sister-in-law Maerene Conard, sons William (Janice) and Robert (Karen Jo), daughter Elizabeth Stough (John), grandchildren Jeffrey (Sarah), John (Stephanie), Grant, Jessica (Kyle), Madeline, Michael (Kady) and Sam and her magnificent great grandchildren Levi, Mara, Daphne, Robin, Ruth, Lillian, Dexter and Corinne. The family would like to thank the wonderful nurses, staff and friends at the Oaknoll Retirement Community. A memorial service will be held Saturday morning, January 9 at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 1300 Melrose Avenue at 10:30 am. The family will receive visitors at the Gay & Ciha Funeral Service at 2720 Muscatine Avenue from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm Friday, January 8. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the St. Andrew Presbyterian capital building fund campaign. Online condolences may be sent for her family through the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com.