Barbara Salmon, 84, of Des Moines and formerly of Perry passed away on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017.
Her body has been cremated, and a memorial service is planned for Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 11 a.m. at West Des Moines Christian Church, 4501 Mills Civic Parkway in West Des Moines. Family will be present at the church starting at 10 a.m.
Barbara Joan Salmon was born Sept. 16, 1932, the second child of Gerald and Erma Riffle.
Like her parents, Barb grew up in Perry.
During her years at Perry High School, Barb was involved in everything musical as well as cheerleading and being a majorette in the marching band. After earning a I rating when she sang a solo at the state music contest her senior year, Barb sang a solo at commencement exercises for her class of 1950.
That same year, on Oct. 20, Barb married Bill Salmon, another Perry native.
The couple lived in several Iowa towns as Bill pursued his career in education. Eventually, they returned to Perry, where Bill was an administrator in the same school system where he and Barb were educated.
Although she held various office jobs, for most of her adult life Barb was a homemaker, using her many skills to love and support her family.
After 30 years back in Perry, Bill and Barb moved to Des Moines in 2000. They enjoyed their retirement years, spending several winters in Arizona, taking bus trips together, and most of all being close to family.
Barb, a voracious reader, was also a skilled seamstress. She enjoyed playing her piano and the organ and volunteered her musical talents to be part of the choirs at several churches over the years — singing with, accompanying and leading choirs.
She was a kind, loving, gentle soul with quiet strength and a depth that often went unrecognized.
In addition to her husband of 66 years, Barb is survived by their children, Sydney (Greg) Otte, Gary (Pam) Salmon and Jennifer (Gary) Rodriguez. Her grandchildren are Rachel, Nathan, Samantha, Sophia and Ethan; and she was blessed with three great-grandchildren, Madison, Austin, and Stella. Other survivors are her younger sister, Betty (Jim) Fox.
Barb was predeceased by her parents; and older infant brother, Ned.
Memorials may go to Hospice of Central Iowa or the youth scholarship fund of the West Des Moines Christian Church. Murdock Funeral Home in Perry is in charge of arrangements.
