Barbara Massey

Barbara Massey, 64, of Ames, Iowa, passed away in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her four children, many grandkids, and her dad on Thursday, August 15, 2024.

Services for Barbara will be held on Thursday, August 22, 2024 beginning at 12:00 P.M. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. A visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to services. Memorials in Barbara’s name may be directed to the family for a later designation. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Barbara and her family.

Barbara Ellen Peek was born on June 5, 1960 in Chicago Heights, Illinois. She was the daughter of Richard and Barbara (Hall) Peek. Barbara was raised by dad George Radakovich. She received her GED and would continue her education at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids where she would receive a few different degrees in Web Design and Computer Science. On top of Kirkwood Community College, Barbara also attended the University of Phoenix.

On November 18, 1978, Barbara was united in marriage to Billy Gene Massey. From this union came four children, Eric, Rhonda, Jessi, and Josh. She primarily took care of her family but over the years she additionally took retail jobs, factory jobs, and food service jobs part time. Barbara and Billy would eventually divorce in 1999, but remained close friends and shared time with their grandkids. She was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Tennessee.

In her free time, Barbara loved to spend time with her grandchildren above everything else. She enjoyed working on craft projects which primarily consisted of making jewelry and tumblers, as well as crocheting. Additionally, she enjoyed baking with her specialty being cookies and just being able to spend time with her family over the holidays and make memories together.

Those left to remember and cherish her memory are her children, Eric (Brittany) Massey of North Liberty, Rhonda (John) Eastridge of Nevada, Jessi (Larry) Short of Ames, and Josh (Jackie) Massey of North English. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jayden, Aeslyn, Kenz, Chantyn, Keegan, Alex, Brhylee. Cheyenne, Kayleigh, Riley, Jordyn, Lincoln, Addyson, Alex, Justice, Javon, Kylie, and Keagan; her great-grandson Jaxson; 11 brothers and sisters; her mom, Barbara Anne Dargitz and her dad George Radakovich.

She is preceded in death by her husband Billy Massey; her father, Richard Peek; her brother, Jesse Wright; sister, Ronda Valeikas; her paternal and maternal grandparents; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.