Barbara J. Carlson

Barbara Jean Carlson, the daughter Floyd and Ethel (Murry) Bragg, was born on February 20, 1933, on the family farm south of Gowrie. She was raised and educated in the area of her birth, attending country school and Gowrie Public School.

On January 31, 1950, Barbara was united in marriage with Derrald L. Carlson at Gowrie. The couple made their home on a farm south of Dayton, then moved to the family farm south of Gowrie and to Stratford in 1974. The couple also wintered in Brownsville, Texas for 33 years.

Barbara was a member of the United Methodist Church in Dayton and served in the Ladies Aide at the Covenant Church in Harcourt. She enjoyed reading and crocheting. Barbara also volunteered at the Stratford Care Center and with the Stratford Congregate Meals.

Barbara passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2008, at the Boone County Hospital in Boone at the age of 75 years. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Mildred Erickson; brother, Charles Bragg; niece, Joanie Little and daughter-in-law, Amy Carlson.

Survivors include her husband, Derrald Carlson of Stratford; four children: Marcia Lane and husband Matthew of Grand Junction, IA, Sheila Gaylord of Englewood, CO, Richard Carlson of Oahu, Hawaii and Robert Carlson and wife, Cindy of Stratford, IA; eight grandchildren: Wayne Thompson and wife DeeDee, Michelle Kemper and husband Chuck, Kendra Sandaval and husband, Jason, Dr. Reginald Gaylord, William Carlson, Richard Carlson, Jennifer Carlson and Rob Carlson and wife Tricia and six great-grandchildren: Corey, Tyler, Amanda, Olivia, Kiersten and Austin.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 3 , 2008 at the United Methodist Church in Dayton. Rev. Keith Putney will officiate. Visitation will be Sunday, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Carson-Stapp Funeral Home in Dayton. Burial will be in the Gowrie Township Cemetery in Gowrie, Iowa.