"So sorry for your loss. You have my sympathy. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
In loving memory of
Barbara Stoakes
September 25, 1935 - December 22, 2021
Barbara Ann Stoakes, 86, of Ames, Iowa, passed away peacefully December 22, 2021 at home. A public visitation will be held on January 12, 2022 at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Ames, Iowa, from 9:30-11:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life will follow the visitation. Interment will be held on January 13, 2022, at Glenwood Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. in Goldfield, Iowa. The family will be meeting relatives and friends at the Goldfield United Presbyterian Church following the interment.
Barbara was born September 25, 1935, in Goldfield, Iowa, the daughter of Roy and Bessie (Stevens) Axon. Barbara graduated from Goldfield High School and attended the Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. She was united in marriage to Jack Stoakes on August 4, 1956 in Goldfield. After teaching several years, Barbara and Jack returned to Goldfield to begin Jack's veterinary practice and raise their family. In 2014, they moved to Ames and made many new friends at Windsor Oaks where she served as social chair.
Barbara was a member of the Goldfield United Presbyterian Church and later Northminster Presbyterian Church in Ames. Barbara was very active with Youth Club, Confirmation, and Youth Fellowship. She was involved at the National (Mariners and Delegate to General Assembly), Synod (various committees), Presbytery (Moderator and various committees), and Local (Presbyterian Women and Sessions). She was also a member of the Alpha Delphian Club. She loved spending time gardening, reading, and baking. She was famous for her homemade buns and strawberry jam. She also loved supporting and following her children and grandchildren in all their activities.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; Roy and Bessie (Stevens) Axon.
Barbara is survived by her husband Jack, her son, Dave (Kim) Stoakes and their children Daniel, Doug, Devon, and Kelly; daughter Deb (Dan) Spencer and their son Eric; and sister Mary (Edwin) Michaelson. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Tributes
"I?ve known Barb most of my life, growing up in Clarion right next door to Goldfield. I remember youth fellowship events in our presbytery, then a number of years later being on presbyterial board together. I always admired her faith, commitment, knowledge, and her friendship. She will be missed by so many, sending prayers to Jack and the rest of the family."
"Since I can remember Barb and Jack were always a part of my church family. I loved having them as leaders for our United Presbyterian Youth group every Thursday night. Their daughter Deb and I were in the same grade so I saw them even more for that. I loved the pictures and the seeing the den in the Goldfield house made me smile. Barb was a strong, gentle soul, our world is darker, but Heaven is brighter. Debbie Slaikeu"
"I was an honor and pleasure to work as an interim pastor with Barbara on the session of the United Presbyterian Church in Goldfield. Always a quiet and soft spoken presence, her wisdom was a blessing to many. My sympathies to Jack and family in your time of loss, Rev. Phil Somsen, retired "