Barbara M. DeMuth

A memorial service for Barbara DeMuth, age 99, of Milford, Iowa, will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 11:30 AM at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Milford. A visitation for Barbara will begin at 10:30 AM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Milford.

Barbara Mae DeMuth, the daughter of Warren Sr. and Mary-Bryce (Morton) Phillips, was born April 19, 1927, in Fairmont, Minnesota. On July 17, 1948, Barb was married to Leo Duane DeMuth (Dewey) in Milford, Iowa.

Barb was truly the heart of her family. She had a nurturing presence that was felt by all who knew her and often put the needs of her children and grandchildren before her own. As the kids grew, her and her husband, Dewey, would escape the Iowa winters with road trips to Florida to visit family. She loved having people around, hosting all the family gatherings over the years, whether for a special holiday or just because. Most of her work life was spent in the laundry department of a local resort which she truly enjoyed into her 80’s. Her free time was often spent sitting on her front porch, chatting with friends & family, sharing stories, and enjoying her afternoon coffee and cookies. And as a casual gambler, she never passed up a road trip to a casino or family card games of “thirty-one”. As a beloved matriarch, Barb cherished family above all else.

Barb passed away May 23, 2026, in Spencer, Iowa at ninety-nine years of age.

She is survived by her daughters, Shirley DeMuth and Mary Labiak (Jerry); sons, Peter DeMuth, Philip DeMuth (Ruth) and Paul DeMuth (Mary); many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one sister, Donna Kappeler (Larry).

Barba was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Duane DeMuth (Dewey); son, Thomas DeMuth; parents, Warren and Mary-Bryce Phillips; sister, Beverly Switzer; brother, Warren Phillips, Jr.