Barbara Ellen Grimson

Barbara Ellen Grimson, 83, died on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Martin Suites in Cedar Falls, IA.

Barb was born on December 27, 1940, in Barron, WI, to Walter Wayne and Dorothy J. (Hubbard) Picknell. She grew up with two sisters and five brothers and began attending elementary school in 1945 and graduated from Barron High School in 1958. After high school, her parents and three younger siblings moved to Waterloo, IA, while Barb remained in Wisconsin to continue working; she would later move to Waterloo. Barb married Arna Roy Grimson on November 21, 1959, at Calvary Temple in Waterloo; they later divorced in 2012.

Barb had two sons, Michael Roy, and Kip Alan, who were the loves of her life. In her leisure time, she enjoyed spending time with her boys going camping, vacationing, and exploring. She also traveled with her husband and friends to Canada and Aruba and took a Carnival Cruise in 1991. Barb enjoyed walking, reading, doing yard work, gardening, and knitting and crocheting beautiful Afghans and scarves. After retirement, she loved filling her days with her granddaughters and grandsons and always had time for a tea party, playing games, and dress-up. She absolutely loved all six of her grandkids and would never turn down an opportunity to spend time with them. She loved the holidays, with her favorites being the Fourth of July and Christmas. Barb loved fireworks, picnics, eating watermelon and spending time outside on warm summer days and evenings. She always enjoyed decorating her home for the changing seasons and welcoming her family and friends to celebrate birthdays, holidays, and reunions. Barb was a member of the South Waterloo Church of the Brethren, and she felt so blessed that God guided her to them as they did so much for her and her grandchildren.

Barb worked in the medical field for a majority of her adult life. She began her career at Schoitz Hospital in Waterloo where she was a scrub tech for deliveries, a department secretary, and as a Health Unit Coordinator. After Schoitz Hospital closed its doors in 1991, Barb continued her career at St. Francis Hospital (later known as Covenant Medical Center), retiring from her tireless duties in 2002.

She is preceded in death by her parents; son, Kip Alan Grimson; granddaughter, Kimberly J. Grimson; sister, Lois (Charles) Kittleson; and brothers, Wayne (Ruth) Picknell, Harry (Darlene) Picknell, Bob, Gary, and LeRoy Picknell.

Barb is survived by her son, Michael (Debra Rose) Grimson of Waterloo, IA; granddaughter, Hanna Grimson of St. Paul, MN; sister, Marilyn (Elmer) Lines of Chetek, WI; sisters-in-law, Barb Picknell of Barron, WI and Deb (Bob Peterson) Picknell of Arland, WI; daughter-in-law, Dina Grimson of Butler, MO; grandchildren, Samantha Grimson of Fulton, MO, Kip Grimson, Jr. of Millersburg, MO and Scott and Tracy Grimson, both of Butler, MO; along with many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, December 9, 2024, in the Mausoleum at Garden of Memories Cemetery, 3669 Logan Ave, Waterloo, IA.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice or the Grimson Family.

Locke at Tower Park is serving the family. Please visit lockefuneralservices.com to offer your condolences.