Barbara Jean Markley, daughter of Harvey and Geraldine (Kabrick) Markley, was born July 29, 1930, in Spencer, Iowa. She received her education in Spencer graduating in 1948.

On January 23, 1948, Barbara was united in marriage to Irvin G. Hansen in Pender, Nebraska. To this union, beginning in October 1949, seven children were born.

Irvin and Barbara farmed southeast of Ruthven until moving to town in 1989. Barbara's jobs included farmwife, helping alongside her husband; homemaker, raised seven children; news editor of the Ruthven Zipcode and Ruthven Messenger, assistant town librarian; Ruthven school bus driver, rural mail carrier, regional transit driver making sure all dialysis patients from four counties were at the center by 8 a.m., rain or shine. She finally retired in 2005 at the age of 75.

Barbara was a member of the Ruthven United Methodist Church, active in church circle, member of the American Legion Auxiliary and Red Hat Society. Barbara always professed her love for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren more than anything else in life. She was an excellent cook, always remembering each person's likes and dislikes. Barbara had a passion for reading.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Irvin; sister in infancy, Virginia; daughter, Debby; granddaughter, Deanna; grandson, Michael John.

She is survived by her daughters, Diane Gardner of Dakota Dunes, SD; Denise Ruehle of Ruthven, IA; Darcy (Gary) Robb of Clarion, IA; her sons, David (Deborah) Hansen of Ruthven, IA; Derek (Ruth) Hansen of Ruthven, IA; Daaron (Amy) Hansen of Spencer, IA; 10 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; her brothers, Harvey (Phyllis) Markley Jr. of Cloquet, MN; Mike (Anna) Markley of Ruthven, IA.; as well as many other relatives and friends.

When we have done all the work we were sent to Earth to do,

we are allowed to shed our body, which imprisons our soul

like a cocoon encloses the future butterfly

and when the time is right we can let go of it.

Then we will be free of pain, free of fears and free of worries…

free as a beautiful butterfly returning home to God…

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home