Barbara Jean (DeLay) McCormick

Barbara Jean (DeLay) McCormick was born December 19, 1928, in Shannon City, Iowa, to Raymond and Mildred (Compton) DeLay – the oldest of seven children. She graduated from Waukee High School in 1946 and attended Iowa State College in Ames and Northwest Institute of Medical Technology in Minneapolis.  Barbara worked as an x-ray technician in Fairfield, Ottumwa, and Denver, CO, before she married Leland McCormick on October 21, 1956, and made Iowa City her home for over 60 years. There she worked for University Hospital, Rentals by Ivette, Iowa City Community School District, and Hills Bank and Trust. She relocated to Ankeny in 2017 to be closer to her family.

A long-time member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, Barbara was active in the United Methodist Women, taught Sunday school, served on the building committee for their current facility, and volunteered in a variety of other ways. She was also a lifetime member of the Mercy Hospital Guild, working in the Gift Shop for many years.

Barbara and her husband loved to travel, taking their family on long vacations in a travel trailer every summer. They were avid Hawkeye fans and served meals to the media at football and basketball games for many years. Barbara enjoyed bowling, golf, several bridge groups, and going out for coffee or a meal with friends. She did a lot of baking and was known for her hospitality, even at a moment’s notice. Content to be in the background, Barbara was a dedicated supporter of others, most notably her children and grandchildren. She went to as many of their activities and events as she could and never tired of her great-grandchildren’s antics. Friends and family were very dear to her, and she will be remembered for her diligence in sending cards and letters to keep in touch.

Barbara died on October 12, 2022, at the Mill Pond Care Center in Ankeny, IA. She was 93 years old.

Barbara is survived by two children: Dean (Tonya) McCormick of Ames, IA, and Carol (Tom) Kristensen of Ankeny, IA; four grandchildren: Shannon (Alan) Swanson of Lakewood, CO, Patrick (Jordan) McCormick of Ankeny, IA, Stephanie (Tyler) Ylvisaker of Coon Rapids, MN, and Matthew (Ashton) Kristensen of Bettendorf, IA; and six great-grandchildren: Quinton & Rowan Ylvisaker; Grayson, Graham & Everly Kristensen; and Miles McCormick. She is also survived by two siblings: Janice (Jerry) Spellman of Granger, IA, and Roger (Karen) DeLay of Burns, TN; four sister-in-laws: Barbara DeLay of Fishers, IN, Sue DeLay of Davidson, NC, Nancy DeLay of Indianola, IA, and Louisa McCormick of Moline, IL; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and four siblings: Jack DeLay, Shirley Baird, Robert DeLay and Jerry DeLay.

The Behner Funeral Home of Fairfield is taking care of Barbara’s family. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on November 14 at Lutheran Church of Hope in Ankeny, IA. The family invites you to join them immediately following the service for refreshments. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.behnerfh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mercy Hospital Foundation - Guild Fund, 500 E. Market Street, Iowa City, IA 52245.