Gertrude Ellen Barry, known to everyone as Trudy, passed away peacefully at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, on Sept. 29, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born on March 23, 1949, Trudy lived a rich and fulfilling life spanning 75 years. Her love for her family and friends, kindness, feisty spirit, Irish pride, and ability to never hold back her strong feelings, touched the lives of all who knew her.
Trudy was born to Robert and Ellen Tobin and raised in the Chicago suburb of Hinsdale, Ill. After graduating from Hinsdale HS, she left the big city to Iowa State, Ames. It was there, she met a farm-boy and her future husband of 53 years, Tim Barry. After graduation, Trudy and Tim were married at St. Isaque Jogues in Hinsdale, and headed to Fort Riley, Kan. where Tim served two years in the U.S. Army. After Tim's service, he took a job with Hormel and he and Trudy lived in Austin, Minn. and Fort Dodge. After two years with Hormel, Tim took the offer from his dad to join the family farm just outside of Pisgah. Trudy, the city girl slowly but surely transformed into a farm wife and got to know her in-laws who grew to love her dearly. Trudy also earned the respect and love of her new rural community, many becoming life-long friends. On the farm, Trudy quickly became an avid gardener, nature lover, bird watcher, and caregiver of many animals and pets. She was also an amazing mom to her three “farm boys”. Trudy worked at the Harrison County Conservation Board office near Woodbine where she had a chance to experience and care for the environment and nature around Harrison County. Tim and Trudy spent 24 years on the farm before moving to Council Bluffs, Johnston, and then building their dream home on Waukee’s Sugar Creek Golf Course’s hole #3. Now closer to their three families, they could watch their 11 grands grow up, play sports, sing and perform on stage, and be active in their day to day lives for over 14 years.
Trudy was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Ellen and Robert Tobin; her dear sister, Pat Marshall, and her husband, Wayne. Trudy will also be reunited with her brother, Bill Tobin and his wife Jennifer. She is survived by her loving husband, Tim Barry; and her three devoted sons, Brian (Kelly), Doug (Jennifer), and Ben (Reagan). Trudy's memory will live on through her 11 active and adoring grandchildren, (Charlie, Will, Connor, Anna, Megan, Jackson, Lewis, Abby, Quinn, Sullivan, and Claire); and her sister, Katie Mackie (Glen). While those who have passed before her will embrace Trudy with open arms, those she left behind will always treasure her memory, celebrating the joy and warmth she brought to their lives.
A Celebration of Life will be held in honor of Trudy on Saturday, November 2nd, at the St. Boniface church hall in Waukee. The celebration will take place from 10a-1p, with a special Remembrance service, led by Trudy’s dear friend, Sr. Joyce Rupp, starting at 10:30am, followed by lunch. All are welcome to attend, dress is casual attire, and guests may come and go as they please throughout the event. This will be an opportunity for those whose lives were touched by Trudy to gather, share memories, and celebrate the joy she brought to the world.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family is asking those so inclined to honor Trudy to donate to the Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Des Moines, the Waukee Area Christian Services Food Pantry, or a cause of their choice.
