Barbara J. Cox, 83, of Cedar Falls, died Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo.

Barbara was born October 9, 1934 in Waterloo, IA, the daughter of John and Lola Ayers Dirksen.

Barbara was united in marriage to Charles J. Cox, Jr. on December 29, 1961 at the First Presbyterian Church of Waterloo; he preceded her in death on January 6, 1990.

Barbara graduated from East High School in 1953, attended Cornell College from 1953 to 1955, and graduated from University of Iowa in 1957 with a BSC and a double major in business and teaching.

Barbara taught in Tripoli from 1959 to 1962 and at Hawkeye Tech in Adult Education from 1966 to 1969. She was a secretary at John Deere for 25 years, retiring in 1993.

Barbara was a member and former Deacon at First Presbyterian Church of Waterloo, she was also secretary for the Presbyterian Women of the church. She was a member of the Phi Gamma Wu in college. Barbara volunteered with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Hawkeye Community College GED program and Habitat for Humanity.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, spouse, a brother Jon Dirksen, and two sisters-in-laws: Pat Dirksen and Eileen Critz.

Barbara is survived by a daughter Kristine Ward of Palatine, IL, a son Brian Cox of Cedar Falls, IA, a brother Dean Dirksen of Waterloo, IA and a half-sister Debbie (Kenny) Day of Columbia, MO.