Barbara C. Garrett

Barbara Coleen Garrett, age 89, of Marshalltown, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at Unity Point Health- Marshalltown Hospital.

Per Barbara and her family’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. No formal services have been scheduled at this time. In lieu of flowers, please share a story about Barb on the funeral home website. For more information or to send a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Barb and her family.

Barbara Coleen (Miller) Garett was born March 22, 1936 in Eldora, Iowa. She was the daughter of Stacy and Nellie (Pieters) Miller. Barb attended and graduated from Marshalltown High School. On June 5, 1954 Barb and Howard Garrett were united in marriage in Marshalltown. Shortly after, they both relocated to Sherman, Texas, where Howard was stationed. Barbara became a military wife and was honored to follow her husband anywhere he would be stationed. Barb had a very extensive work history. Starting in 1965-1968 she worked for Strands Bakery, 1968-1976 Marshalltown Trowel, 1977-1979 Loves Joy Inc. in Chicago, 1979-1981 Blue Star Inc., and finally retiring from the Iowa Veterans Home in 1993. Barbara was also co-owner of Walker’s Garage, Carl’s Crane Service, Central Iowa Crane Service and Crab Tree Lake. In her free time Barb enjoyed going to the casino, drinking a good cup of coffee, cooking, and watching women’s basketball. She also loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Those who knew and loved Barbara will remember her as a very nice and caring person.

Barbara is survived by her daughter Esther (Doug) Betts; her daughter in law Diane Garrett; her son in law Don Boardman; her honorary daughter Mary (Jeff) Bond; her grandchildren: Andrea (Tim) McGerr, Bryon Betts, Mike Garrett, Crystal (Sam) Blank, Jeremy (Julie) Lavender, and Tim Garrett; and numerous nieces and nephews, and great- nieces and great- nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents Stacy and Nellie; her husband Howard; her son Warren; her daughters: Jerri and Terri; her grandsons: James, Matt, and Josh Lavander; and her siblings: Marvin Miller, Cleo (Art) Thomas, Ruth (Neil) Thomas, Lee (Jean) Garrett, and Patricia (Fred) Anderson.