Obituary of Virginia Ashley Barber

Virginia Ashley Kruse Barber, June 25, 1941-October 26, 2021 Virginia (Ginny) Barber, age 80, passed away quietly in her sleep on Tuesday, October 26 at home with her daughter and husband by her side. Ginny was born June 25, 1941 to John and Elizabeth (Koob) Kruse in St. Paul, Mn. She graduated from Alexander Ramsey High School where she was active in the Future Homemakers of America (FHA). As State Secretary of the FHA Ginny met her future husband, Donald Barber, at a joint State Leadership conference with the Future Farmers of America (FFA). The couple married in 1961 and had two children, David and Deborah. After college graduation, the couple moved to Red Wing, MN. In 1969 they moved to Owatonna, Mn where they resided until their children graduated from high school. Ginny was active in church, teaching Sunday school and singing in the choir. She worked in retail sales managing the cosmetic counter and served as the President of the Owatonna Women’s Club. Ginny loved gardening with her best friend in a ½ acre garden plot, taking breaks to cool off in the family pool! The family home reflected her love of interior design. In 1986 the couple moved to Iowa where Ginny continued her work in retail sales jobs and was active in church choir. Ginny's health began declining on August 20, 2020, the couples 59th wedding anniversary, with a heart attack. Her health continued to decline until her passing. She is survived by brothers George and John Kruse and sister Geraldine Kruse plus several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Elizabeth Kruse and brother Robert Kruse. Celebration of Life services will be held Sunday, November 14 at 2 p.m. at Associated Church, 800 Havana Rd, Owatonna, MN and Thursday, December 2 at 2 p.m. at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 140 Gathering Place Ln, Iowa City, IA. Memorials can be sent to Don and Deb Barber, 2423 Walden Rd., Apt 108, Iowa City, Iowa 52246. To share a condolence with her family please visit the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com.