Barbara Florence Drenth

Rock Rapids, Iowa Barbara Florence Drenth, age 77 of Rock Rapids, Iowa died Friday, June 5, 2009 at the Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 9th at the Christian Church Disciples in Rock Rapids with Rev. Carolyn Salberg officiating. Private family burial will take place prior to the service at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids. Visitation will be Monday, June 8th, from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. with family present from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids. Barbara Florence (McCaughey) Drenth, daughter of William and Nellie (Weatherly) McCaughey, was born on April 23, 1932 on the same farm house south of Rock Rapids she lived in most of her life. She attended Rock #3 Country School and graduated from Rock Rapids High School in 1950. Barb was employed at the Rock Rapids Elevator as a bookkeeper after high school. She married O.A. Whitey Drenth on June 29, 1955 where they then resided on the Century family-owned farmstead for 53 years together. As a child, Barb was a member of the Happy Rockies 4-H club and later served as its leader. She received the 4-H leader-of-the-year award. She was an active member of the Christian Church (Disciples) as treasurer and deaconess. Barb and Whitey enjoyed time together square dancing in the 60s. After retiring, she spent many hours helping her sons with newborn livestock. Barb had a special place in her heart for her children, grandchildren and her good friend Vi Dengler. Barb always believed good coffee is a pleasure and good friends are a treasure. She enjoyed attending her children and grandchildrens many sporting events. She was an excellent cook and some of her familys favorites include: angel food cake, Sunday morning caramel rolls, chocolate chip cookies, and soups. Her angel food cakes were award winning at the county fair and legendary with her family as she made one for every birthday. Barb and Whitey were enthusiastic Fostoria collectors. They attended auctions and went on many trips to West Virginia for the National Fostoria Convention where they met up with good friends. Grammy will always be remembered as a hard working, selfless, and generous woman. Her spirit as a fighter will never be forgotten. She is survived by her husband, three sons Jay and Eric Barney of Rock Rapids, Clay (Sue) of Alta, IA, two daughters Wanda (Duane) Drenth-Iverson of St. Louis Park, MN, Cheryl (Harvey) Blankespoor of Inwood. Nine grandchildren: Emilly (Drenth) Eben, Joe & Jill Drenth, Kathryn Iverson, Noah & Tate Blankespoor, Cole & Carly Drenth, Zach Drenth. One great-grandchild: Graham Eben. Barb was preceded in death by her parents, one brother Byron and two sisters Mildred & Phyllis.