Obituary

Barbara Moats passed away on September 12, 2024 at the age of 83. Services will be held at Iles Funeral Home and Chapel located at: 2121 Grand Avenue in Des Moines, on Wednesday, September 18th at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will follow services from 12:00-2:00 PM.

Barb was born in Guthrie Center, Iowa on May 13, 1941 to Max and Letha Simmons. Barb attended Iowa Methodist School of Nursing from 1960 to 1962. After graduation, she began working as a staff nurse, a night nursing supervisor, and critical care educator. During this time, Barb attended Drake University in Des Moines and earned a degree in Biology. In August of 1974, Barb and her former spouse, Vern Moats, had their daughter Jody Sue.

Barb went on to pursue her medical degree from University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences, graduating in 1982. She was one of the first women to be admitted to the Internal Medicine Residency program. After completing an internal medicine residency, she began work at Iowa Methodist as an ER physician. Barb also took on the role as Medical Director of Life Flight.

Barb was known best for her ability to let you know exactly where you stood with her. She would never sugar coat words, and was always willing to encourage people around her to challenge themselves.

Barb retired in 2007, however, she was constantly finding ways to challenge herself and learn. She came out of retirement and went to work as a Risk Management Consultant for Acute Care. At age 70 she fully retired and spent her winters in Oklahoma. Horses were at the forefront of her passions. She had a small quarter horse operation and enjoyed spending many hours working on her ranch. Barb’s other passions included caring for her dogs, reading, and spending time with her grandkids.

Barb is survived by her daughter Jody (Kolby); granddaughter Keaton (Issa) and grandson Kale; brothers Keith (barb), Malcom (Nancy), Myrlin, Craig (Shirley); sister Joyce (Dave) and sister in laws Darlene and Faye. Barb is preceded in death by brothers Lawrence and Bob, sister in law Roberta.

Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Glen Oaks Alzheimer Special Care Center and Unity Point Hospice for their support during Barb’s battle. Contributions can be made to Unity Point Hospice or Timber Creek Therapies in Guthrie Center.

Barb's service will be live streamed on the Iles website. Go to www.ilescares.com just before 11:00 am Wednesday and scroll to the bottom of her obituary for the link to join the service.


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