Barbara Kay Nelson

Barbara Kay Nelson passed away on October 11, 2025 , at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, IA, she was 73 years old. 

She was born on May 18,1952 in Guthrie Center, Iowa to Gerald and Helen Sparks. She is survived by her two brothers Bill and Lynn and her two sons Scott and Chris. Throughout her life she enjoyed time with her family and friends laughing, playing cards, and sharing a story. If you ever wanted to see her and have a laugh she was only a call or text away. She was never one to say no to anyone who reached out to her for a ride or just company. She was genuine, caring, compassionate, and loyal. To be her friend was to have a friend for life. T

hose who knew her best called her Barb and it was impossible to say her name without smiling at the thought of the woman it represented. She was loud and boisterous, warmth radiated from her and made every event she was involved in an event to remember. Everyone who had the opportunity to know her has had their life made a little better and with her gone the world is a little worse. She will be missed by all. 

A life celebration will be held at a later date.