Barb Paul, 86, of Grinnell and formerly of Lynnville, died Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, at St. Francis Manor in Grinnell.
A funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 21, at Lynnville Friends Church with Pastor Jamie Bogaard officiating. Interment was in Friends Cemetery in Lynnville.
Memorials may be designated to Lynnville Friends Church and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.
Barbara Kay Evans was born Aug. 17, 1938, in Oskaloosa, and was the cherished daughter of Ralph and Eleanor (Smith) Evans. She grew up in Lynnville, Sully, Texas, and California, respectively. The family returned to Lynnville, where she graduated from Lynnville High School in 1956. She pursued her passion for beauty at Thompson Beauty School in Des Moines, later returning to Lynnville to build a life rooted in family, community, and faith.
June 25, 1957, Barbara married Robert Paul in Lynnville, and their union was blessed with a son, Jeffrey. Together, they made their home in Lynnville, where Barbara owned and operated the Lynnville Beauty Shop for many years. Her clients, some of whom drove long distances, appreciated her exceptional skill and warm, personal touch.
After Robert's passing in 1986, Barbara continued to live in Lynnville, later dedicating herself as a caregiver to others. She was a lifelong and faithful member of Lynnville Friends Church, where she found great joy in singing.
Barbara’s enjoyments were many: She loved making ceramics, reading, and watching sermons on television. Above all, her family and faith were central to her life. She will be remembered for her generous spirit, steadfast faith, and the countless hours she spent praying for others. She was gracious, kind, and deeply devoted to those she loved.
Barb is survived by her son Jeff (Pam) Paul of Grinnell; granddaughter Mandy Paul of Searsboro and children Kaylin and Gage Lang; her brother Dennis (Tricia) Evans of Newton; her nephews Scott, Eric, and Josh Evans; her great-nephews Jensen, Koby, and Tristan Evans; and her stepchildren Marilyn Elscott Williams, Roger Elscott, and Maxine Elscott Van Wyk.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert, her grandson Randall Paul, and her brother Dale Evans.
