Obituary

Barbara Jean Busch entered the loving arms of her Creator on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

Barb was born in Atlanta, Georgia, to parents Robert Meyer and Jean Adeinah (Jeffords) Layfield on July 7, 1946. Growing up in Flint, Michigan, in the shadow of multiple auto plants in a friendly neighborhood filled with children, was a blessing of being a ‘Boomer.’ Her family would move to Mason City, Iowa in 1962.

Barb graduated from Mason City High School in 1964 and the University of Iowa in 1968. She was a proud member of the Alpha Phi sorority, where she nurtured her spirit for generosity and gained an appreciation for the unique bond of sisterhood. She later earned her master’s degree in Elementary Reading & Language Arts from the University of Northern Iowa, along with special education endorsements from Mankato State University.

The light of Barb’s life would be her two sons, Charlie and Mike. Watching them hunting the countryside or enjoying Clear Lake in their teens always brought a smile to her face. She especially cherished the opportunity to travel with them, their friends and eventually, their families.

In addition to her own two boys, Barb had hundreds of other children she called her own as a dedicated teacher in the Mason City School District. She began teaching at Washington Elementary, moving to John Adams Middle School and eventually ending her 37-year teaching career at Hoover Elementary. She always enjoyed the countless community encounters with her students as they grew into adults. Beyond retirement, she embraced the role of grandmother and cherished the opportunities she was given to share wisdom and laughter with her favorite “little people.”

Barb held a special place in her heart for Colorado. Some of her fondest memories were made during the summers of 1997 & 1998, when she volunteered at Cheley Colorado Camps in Estes Park. She also found great joy in reading and attending book club with a close circle of friends.

Barb was a devoted volunteer for many years at Mercy Hospital and with SHIIP, providing counseling and education to retirees about Medicare. She was a member of the Mason City YMCA where she enjoyed logging many miles on the track. Before moving to the Des Moines area, she was also a proud member of First Presbyterian Church of Mason City.

Barb is survived by her sons Charles (Cissie) Busch of Denver, Colorado and Michael (Emily) Busch of Norwalk, Iowa; her beloved grandchildren Katherine, Charles (Chip), Hayden and Farrah; as well as her brother Bob (Missy) Layfield of Venice, Florida and her nephews Chris, Matt & Joel. She was preceded in death by her parents and longtime companion JB Chauncey.

Services will be held at a later date. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staffs at Holland Farms and Arbor Springs for the compassionate care they provided to Barb. Those wishing to express their sympathy may consider memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association of Iowa or the Child Life Program at Blank Children’s Hospital.

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