Obituary of Barbara Nace

Barbara Joy Nace, 74, went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 10:55 p.m. She passed away peacefully in her Iowa City home, embraced in the love of the family that meant everything to her.

Barb’s story began on a Thursday morning, June 5, 1952, at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids, when she was born to Jean and Harry Boren. From her earliest days, Barb was a force of nature—bursting with character, lighting up rooms with her personality, and displaying a rare, innate empathy for anyone she met. She grew up in the Iowa City area and graduated from West High School with the Class of 1970.

Barb was united in marriage to her husband Bob Nace on September 24th 1983, together, they shared a deep devotion to Christ, their family, their friends, and to one another. They affectionately would refer to one another as Honey Bun, which eventually morphed into the playful nickname H.B. that they became known for calling one another.

If you knew Barb, you knew her life's masterpiece: her seven children, who were the center of her universe. Barb viewed motherhood not just as a role, but as her sacred mission. She poured every ounce of her soul into being the best mom she could be—a mission fully, beautifully, and triumphantly accomplished. Outside of her family, Barb’s love for Jesus was evident to everyone she met. Outside of her family, Barb's devotion to Jesus was evident to everyone she met through the joyful way she shared His love and its impact on her life. She loved telling people about His love and the impact it had on her. Her deepest wish was for all her family to know and love God.

Barb’s life was not always a smooth path; yet, her hardships never embittered her. She never complained about her circumstances. Instead, her challenges made her softer, kinder, and more generous. She lived by a rare philosophy: she chose to be a fountain, constantly pouring love and warmth into the world, rather than a drain. Her infectious smile and engaging spirit were a sanctuary for the hurting and a comfort to anyone in need.

Barb touched countless lives with her genuine care, radiant heart, and witty sense of humor. She had an ornery side and loved to instigate harmless mischief… then sit back and watch the sparks fly. Her loving kindness, compassionate spirit, playful sense of humor and joyful warmth will never be forgotten by those who had the privilege of crossing paths with her.

Barb’s family includes her husband, Bob Nace; her seven children, Jill Kuster, Jenny Dhondt (Ryan), Adam Nace (Anna), Sarah Nace, Robby Nace (Lorinda), Joshua Nace (Justine), and Josiah Nace; her twelve grandchildren, Ariah (Indigo), Phineas, Ezra, Lucia, Freya, Rowan, Savannah (Ben), Makenzie (Will), Annabelle (Khang), Haevyn, Mason, and Miriam; and her three great-grandchildren, Emry, Violet, and Theo. She is also survived by her siblings, Beverly Neuzil (Jerry), Becky Bender (the late Lloyd), Billie Rosendahl (Brian), and Jim Boren (Darlene). Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Jean and Harry Boren.

Funeral services will be held at 10 am, Monday, September 21, 2026, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City where a time of visitation will be held from 2 to 5 pm on Sunday.  A memorial fund has been established in her memory. To share a thought, memory or condolence please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website @ www.gayandciha.com.

Expression of Gratitude

The Nace family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation for your kind expressions of sympathy, prayers, and support during this difficult time..