Barbara Jane Wood

Barbara Jane Wood, age 79, of Atalissa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026.

Barbara was born September 3, 1946, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa, the daughter of Ray Alan and Wilma Adele (Henderson) Isabel. She graduated from West Branch High School and was united in marriage to Jerry Duane Wood on September 12, 1964, at Rochester Methodist Church. Jerry preceded her in death in 2020.

Barbara was a devoted homemaker and hardworking bookkeeper who assisted with the family businesses through the years, including Wood’s Truck Equipment, Mini Farms, and later worked for Martin Insurance in West Liberty for eight years. In 1998, Barbara and Jerry moved to their farm near Atalissa, where she truly felt at home.

Barbara loved the outdoors and was happiest keeping busy. She enjoyed mowing the lawn, tending flowers and plants, especially roses and mandevillas, feeding birds and watching hummingbirds, hauling mulch, stacking firewood, and starting bonfires. She often joked she wanted to “die on my lawn mower.” She was known for her strong work ethic and would rather clean cattle pens than bake a cake. Barbara also loved visiting on the phone, playing solitaire, enjoying snacks, and never forgot a birthday or special date. She had a spirited, sassy personality and a wonderful sense of humor. She also truly cherished time spent with her family, creating memories through simple moments together.

Above all, Barbara was a loving and devoted mother. With remarkable strength and selfless love, she cared for her son, Doug, throughout his life. Though small in stature, Barbara never let anything stand in the way of providing for him, supporting him, and loving him faithfully each day.

Barbara is survived by her son, Doug Wood of Tipton, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Teresa (Jon) Biles of Princeton, Iowa; grandson, Jaydon Biles of Princeton; sister, Betty (Gerald) Holt of Indianola, Iowa; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Wood of Tipton.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Wood; son, Brett Wood; her parents; brothers, Bill and Bob Isabel; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lloyd and Marie Wood; brothers-in-law, Keith Wood, Harry Yerington, and Jerry Christensen; sisters-in-law, Bev Yerington and Linda Christensen.

Visitation for Barbara will be held from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Fry Funeral Home, Tipton. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at the V.F.W. following the burial.

A memorial fund has been established for Cedar Manor Nursing Home.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com.