Barbara Joann Caulkins
March 14, 1957 — October 2, 2024
Barbara J. Lovejoy Caulkins, 67, of Pleasantville, Iowa passed away on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 from renal cancer. Barb was born on March 14, 1957 in Des Moines, Iowa to Robert and Lola Lovejoy. She grew up in Carlisle, Iowa and graduated in 1975 from Carlisle High School. Barb attended the University of Northern Iowa.
Barb always loved animals. She became a dog groomer in Des Moines. Barb also groomed dogs at Avondale Animal Hospital and Pella Pets in Pella, Iowa. Barb loved riding horses and loved having horses at their family farm. She was active in 4H when her children were young. Barb became the head decorator in her parent’s bakery, Lovejoy’s Cake Shoppe in Carlisle. Barb’s last job was at Generation Next Daycare where she worked in the nursery department with her daughter Christa until she retired in April 2024. Barb loved spending time with her grandchildren and attending their school and sporting events. She loved her dogs, Jazzi, Fancy, Reggie, and Heidi.
Barb married the love of her life Richard L. Caulkins on June 20, 1981. She was blessed with four children: Katie Jo Liggins of Carlisle, Christa Ann Dooley and Aaron of Altoona, Mike Caulkins and Emily of Swan, Cassidy Rae Mason and Aaron of Milo; brother Doug and Lisa Lovejoy of Urbandale; sister Katherine and Jeff Borron of Pleasant Hill; her grandchildren Kaylee, Spencer and Lincoln Liggins, Kaydan Dooley, Bryce Caulkins, Gannon and Natalie Mason. She is survived by her Aunt Janet Gardener of Aurora, Colorado and many nieces and nephews.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Lola Lovejoy.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pleasantville Youth Initiative.
Barb always loved animals. She became a dog groomer in Des Moines. Barb also groomed dogs at Avondale Animal Hospital and Pella Pets in Pella, Iowa. Barb loved riding horses and loved having horses at their family farm. She was active in 4H when her children were young. Barb became the head decorator in her parent’s bakery, Lovejoy’s Cake Shoppe in Carlisle. Barb’s last job was at Generation Next Daycare where she worked in the nursery department with her daughter Christa until she retired in April 2024. Barb loved spending time with her grandchildren and attending their school and sporting events. She loved her dogs, Jazzi, Fancy, Reggie, and Heidi.
Barb married the love of her life Richard L. Caulkins on June 20, 1981. She was blessed with four children: Katie Jo Liggins of Carlisle, Christa Ann Dooley and Aaron of Altoona, Mike Caulkins and Emily of Swan, Cassidy Rae Mason and Aaron of Milo; brother Doug and Lisa Lovejoy of Urbandale; sister Katherine and Jeff Borron of Pleasant Hill; her grandchildren Kaylee, Spencer and Lincoln Liggins, Kaydan Dooley, Bryce Caulkins, Gannon and Natalie Mason. She is survived by her Aunt Janet Gardener of Aurora, Colorado and many nieces and nephews.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Lola Lovejoy.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pleasantville Youth Initiative.
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