Barbara Joyce Gilmore was born April 20, 1941, the daughter of Arnold and Amy Eileen (Richards) Ruth in Casey, Iowa. She passed on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at her home in Greenfield, Iowa, at the age of 82.
Per Barbara’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and no services will be held. The Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield is in charge of the professional arrangements. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lambfuneralhomes.com. Memorials may be directed to the Barbara Joyce Memorial Fund, 2187 Highway 92, Greenfield, Iowa 50849.
Barbara grew up in Casey, Iowa, and then the family moved to Fontanelle, where she attended Fontanelle Schools. She worked as a waitress at Toad’s Place in Greenfield until it closed. She then met Larry Smit, and they spent 38 years together.
Barbara loved to talk to young ladies, and a lot of them would talk to her about their problems, and they would call her mom. She enjoyed camping, going to auctions, and collecting wolves, turtles and a lot of other collectibles, but she especially loved her Elvis memorabilia.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Christopher and Stan; brother, Teddy Ruth; and sister, Joan Bean.
Her companion survives her for 38 years, Larry Smit of Greenfield; daughter, Lare Gilmore of Creston; son, Larry Michael Gilmore, Jr. of St. Ansgar, Iowa; two granddaughters, Kyila and Brianne; other relatives and friends.
