Barbara J. “Barb” Merrick, 78, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Sunday, July 27, 2025.

Barbara Jean Potter was born on November 20, 1946 in Jackson County, Iowa, to Louis Eugene and Anna Mae (Risinger) Potter.  She attended Jackson County country schools and graduated from Andrew High School in 1965.  She married Clifford “Clif” Merrick Jr. on January 28, 1967, in Maquoketa, Iowa.  Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and the blessing of four wonderful children: Sharla, Shane, Shelli, and Shawna.

Throughout her life, Barb was a hardworking and dedicated individual. She began her career at Clinton Engines and Hoffman Eggs before finding her true calling in childcare. For 27 years, she nurtured young minds at Sunshine Daycare and Preschool in Maquoketa. Her caring nature also led her to serve the community through her work at WALMART for 28 years, where she was known for her friendly smile and helpful demeanor.

Barb’s Christian faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa and served with the Timber City American Legion Post #75 Ladies Auxiliary. Her faith guided her through life’s challenges and triumphs, and she lived her beliefs through acts of kindness and compassion.

Barb found joy in the simplicity of vegetable gardening and the satisfaction of canning the produce she raised. Her tri-weekly yoga group at the YMCA was not only a source of physical well-being but also a cherished social gathering. Above all, Barb’s greatest pleasure came from spending time with her ten grandchildren.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Clifford “Clif” Merrick of Maquoketa, IA; children, Sharla (Chad Galer) Merrick of St. Paul, MN, Shane (Shelly) Merrick of Solon, IA, Shelli (Martin) Jandura of St. Charles, IL, and Shawna (D’Arcy) Roberts of Ft. Wayne, IN; 10 grandchildren, Zachary Grauberger, Morgan Galer, Benjamin Galer, Codey Merrick, Brandon Merrick, Jayden Merrick, Teagan Jandura, Melanie Jandura, Grant Jandura, and Logan Roberts; siblings, William “Bill” (Ardyth) Potter of Maquoketa, IA, Nancy Redmon of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Carol (Tom) Hoglund of Venice, FL; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Gary, Richard, Michael and James Potter, and a sister Delores Potter.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Monday, August 4, 2025, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa where a 3:30 P.M. Scripture Service will be held.  Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Maquoketa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to the family.

Online Condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.