Barbara Ohrt

Barbara Jean Ohrt, 93, passed away on May 3, 2024, at the Willows of Marshalltown where she had lived for the last four years.

Barbara was born March 3, 1931, to Mark and Sarah (Harris) Monohon in Ottumwa, Iowa. She was the oldest of ten siblings. She was raised in the neighborhood of Rutledge and attended Ottumwa Schools, graduating in 1950.

Barbara married Ralph Herman in the spring of 1950 and they lived in Winfield, Iowa where two children were born: William and Doris. Later they adopted Ralph’s nephew, Lee Saltzman. The family moved to Laurel, Iowa in 1963 and were later divorced. In 1979 Barbara married Calvin Ohrt and they lived on an acreage north of Marshalltown.

Barbara worked at various manufacturing plants in her life; The Iowa Ordnance Plant near Burlington, IA, T.V. Parts plant in Washington, IA and Fisher Controls in Marshalltown, IA.

Throughout her life Barbara enjoyed sewing, upholstery, flower gardening, baking, and dancing with Cal. She was a member of the Women of the Moose, Order of the Eastern Star, and First United Church of Christ. After retirement her activities were attending Bingo and other activities at the Marshalltown Senior Center, Hobby Craft Club at the YMCA, volunteering at church and bus trips with Cal to Branson.

Barb’s greatest honor was being a grandma. She loved spending time with her four grandchildren, and she was equally excited to become a great-grandma. She was known as “Grandma Barb” by everyone and wore that title with unparalleled joy and pride. Time spent with Grandma Barb was sure to be filled with lots of laughter, a listening ear, and usually a trip to get ice cream.

Barbara is survived by her children Bill Herman of Laurel, IA, Doris Wiener of Burnsville, MN and Lee Saltzman of Marion, IA; Stepchildren Randy Ohrt of Gladbrook, IA and Arliss Ohrt of Marshalltown, IA; Grandchildren Quinten Herman of Laurel, IA, Rachel (Matt) Lista of Rutledge, PA, Kaitlyn (Isaac) Johnson of Burnsville, MN and Sarah Herman and Partner Dave Trieweiler of Swisher, IA; Great-Grandchildren Maisie Johnson, Charlotte Lista, Zuri Johnson and Baby Lista due in June; Siblings Judy (Harold) Skinner of Ottumwa, IA and Rick (Lorri) Monohon of Springfield, MO; Sisters in law Phyllis Wessley of Waterloo, IA, Beverly Monohon of Ottumwa and Pat Monohon of Ottumwa.

She was preceded in death by her husband Calvin Ohrt, her parents, Brothers Mark Jr (Norma), Robert, Jimmy, Fred and Steven; Sisters Patricia Lipp, Janice (Gene) Findley, and son in law Thomas Wiener.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024 beginning at 11:30 A.M. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. A visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to services. Following services, she will be laid to rest at Shaul Cemetery in Ottumwa, Iowa. Memorials in Barbara’s name may be directed to her 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.

-Lovingly written by the family.