Barbara Hardin

BARBARA JEAN HARDIN

Barbara Jean Hardin, age 81, of Donnellson, IA, died Monday, August 11, 2008, in the University of Iowa Hospital, Iowa City, IA, following a brief illness.

She was born July 12, 1927, near Denmark, IA, one of two daughters born to Harry B. and Mabel Hayes Bengston.

She married Floyd Richard "Dick" Hardin on March 15, 1947, at Donnellson. He preceded her in death in February of 1988.

Survivors include three sons, James Hardin and his wife, Cindy, of West Point, IA, Ronald J. Hardin and his wife, Gina, of Denmark, IA, and Russell Hardin and his wife, Polly, of Donnellson, IA; a daughter, Linda Ohnoutka of Columbia, MD; nine grandchildren: Elke Darling and her husband, Ben, of Ellicott City, MD, Austin Hardin of Cedar Rapids, IA, Adam Hardin and his wife, Janet, of Kahoka, MO, Andy Hardin and his wife, Ashley, of West Point, IA, Archie Hardin of West Point, IA, Renae and Maria Hardin of Denmark, IA, Jessica James of Fort Madison, IA, and Willie James of Burlington, IA; two great-grandchildren, Rowin James and Isaiah Hardin; as well as other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; special friend, Norm Radel; and sister, Virginia Nelson.

Barbara Jean grew up in the Denmark area and the majority of her adult life was spent in or near Donnellson. In her younger days she enjoyed raising horses and passed that love on to her son, Ronald. Her greatest pride came from caring for her home and family and she did so lovingly and patiently. She grew a huge garden and many beautiful flowers. She was an excellent cook and her zucchini bread and other homemade breads were mouth watering. She was devoted to her family and attended as many of her grandkids sporting events as possible. She loved babysitting with them and was known to use her chocolate chip cookies as bribes. She had a quiet, sweet spirit and an even sweeter smile.

Services were held Friday, August 15, 2008, at 11 a.m. at the Zion Mennonite Church in Donnellson, Iowa, with Pastors Audrey Ratzlaff and Barb Koenig officiating. Burial was in the Zion Mennonite Cemetery.

Memorials in lieu of flowers are suggested to Donnellson Vision, Inc. for beautification of the Donnellson City Railroad Park.