Barbara Murty

Barbara Joan Murty, 88, of Chelsea, passed away Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at UnityPoint-Grinnell Regional Medical Center. A Private Family Service will be held with burial at Oak Hill Cemetery in Tama. Public Visitation will be held Friday, May 6, 2022, from 4-7 PM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama.

Barbara was born on November 21, 1933, in Toledo, Iowa, the daughter of Arthur and Fern (Lowry) DeFrance.

She attended school in Montour.

On April 15, 1950, she was united in marriage to Dennis N. Murty in Waterloo, Iowa. Barb was formerly a waitress at the Tama Sale Barn and Farmer Nick’s by Victor, and was a “Grandma Taxi” for the grandchildren. She decorated all kinds of cakes for any kind of special event, especially weddings. Barb was an excellent cook and liked sewing and making quilts. She also was an avid bowler. Barb was one of the biggest fans of her family’s stock car racing. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include her children: Jerry (Debbi) Murty, of Tama, Rene (Chuck) Thompson, of Tama, Janet (Alan) Manatt, of Tama, Denise Murty, of Laquey, MO and Dave Murty, of Chelsea; eighteen grandchildren; twenty-five great grandchildren; siblings: Larry (Betty Long) DeFrance, of Marshalltown, and Deb Anderson, of Marshalltown; daughter-in-law, Stacey Murty, of Malcom; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Dennis on May 11, 2011; daughter, Darla Murty; son, Randy Murty; granddaughter, Shelly Culbertson-Thomazin; and brother, Dale (Ivey) DeFrance.

A memorial fund will be established.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo, is assisting the family with arrangements.