Barbara E Thorpe

Barbara Elaine Thorpe went to be with the Lord on Friday, January 27, 2023 at MercyOne Westlakes Hospital, due to congestive heart failure. Barbara was born in Osaka, Japan on September 26, 1948 to John and Thelma Allan. Her father was in the military and the family traveled throughout Europe and Asia as he was stationed in various countries. Barb graduated from high school in Turkey then moved to Iowa City, IA to attend the University of Iowa, where she got her nursing degree and became an RN. While living in Iowa City, she married and had three children: Josh, Jessica and Rachael. In 1980, she moved to Urbandale and started a new life. In 1984 Barb met Gary Thorpe at a PWP ski meeting. After dating for two years they were married on May 23, 1986. They worked very hard to combine Barb’s kids and Gary’s two sons, Chad and Joel, to become one family. That’s where the adventure began.

Barb was very active and willing to try anything. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, snow skiing, racquetball, water skiing, boating, tennis, golf, traveling, quilting, sewing, embroidering, taking cruises and running. She ran over 1000 miles in one year! She also enjoyed horse training and riding, as well as pickle ball. Barb enjoyed life to the fullest!

Barb worked as a nurse at Broadlawns Hospital, Des Moines General Hospital and Visiting Nurse Services. She retired in 1999.

Barb was proceeded in death by her father, John Curtis Allan, mother, Thelma May Allan and one brother, Mike Allan.

Barb is survived by her loving husband, Gary Thorpe and their children: Chad (Kim) Thorpe, Joel (Deanne) Thorpe, Joshua Thorpe, Jessica Clark, Rachael (Brian) Swanson; grandchildren: Zachary Thorpe, Derrian Thorpe, Deven (Arron) Mapes, Tanner Thorpe, Levi Wilson, Grace Wilson, Olivia Swanson, Rosalie Swanson and Penelope Swanson and one great-grandchild, Beckham Thorpe.

Barb is, and will always be, loved and deeply missed.

A celebration of her life will be held on April 28, 2023 at New Hope Assembly of God in Urbandale, Iowa. Visitation is at 2:00 PM and the celebration service will begin at 3:00PM.