Barbara Williams

Barbara Williams, 82, of Marshalltown, passed away peacefully Tuesday afternoon, November 3, 2020, at the Iowa River Hospice House.  To honor her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded and no service will be held. Barbara Irene Cummings was born on June 6, 1938, in Boone, Iowa to Roy and Irene Cummings. She attended school in Marshalltown and graduated in 1956. She was united in marriage to Richard Karns at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Marshalltown. To this union, three children were born: Cheryl “Sherry,” Richard Jr. and Rodney. Richard Sr. was tragically killed in an automobile accident in December 1965. Barb moved with three small children to the Karns farm. She was always grateful for the support and love they showed her during this difficult time. Barb bought Sunset Bay Resort in Bemidji, Minnesota in 1968. She felt it would be a great place to raise her children. She loved running the resort and creating wonderful memories with her family. Many fish tales were told and card games played around the kitchen table at the resort. Barb caught many walleyes at her favorite fishing spot, which was off the dock right next to the resort office. She sold the resort in 1986 and moved to the city of Bemidji. She worked for the Bemidji Clinic while in Minnesota. In 1995 she returned to Marshalltown. Barb worked as a cook for Grandview Heights Nursing Home and Saint Mary’s Catholic School. Upon retirement, she moved to Odd Fellows Apartments and enjoyed playing cards and going to the casino with her friends. She loved seeing her grandchildren in Minnesota and New Mexico. Barb enjoyed her visits to New Mexico, where she would soak up the sun and gaze at the mountains. Left to cherish Barbara’s memory are her children: Sherry (Tom) Wubbels of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Richard (Cheryl) Karns Jr. of Bemidji, Minnesota; grandchildren: Carrie, Christopher, Kelsey, Angelica, Rachael and Cory; great-grandchildren: Wesley, Keira, Mallory and Delilah. In death she rejoins her husband Richard, son Rodney, parents Roy and Irene and siblings Sandra and Ronnie.