Barbara Jean Tompkins

1948 – 2020

 

     Barbara “Barb” Jean Tompkins, 71, of Keokuk, IA died Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at Unity Point in Keokuk.

     She was born on November 6, 1948 in Waterloo, IA the daughter of Rufus and Marjorie Runyan Tompkins. 

     Barb resided in Waterloo, Charles City and Marble Rock, IA before settling in Keokuk twenty plus years ago. 

     She enjoyed knitting, puzzle book, jigsaw puzzles and reading western and romance novels.  Barb liked to watch Roller Derby.  She was an avid Keokuk Chief fan and attended many football and basketball games.  Barb proudly earned her GED in 2002.  She competed in several Special Olympics and was crowned special needs prom queen in 2017.  She was a member of the Salvation Army Church and the Salvation Army Ladies Camp was the highlight of her summer.  She had many friends and loved being around family.

     Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her foster parents, Ed and Evelyn Gerner, a daughter Patricia (Patty Mike) Tompkins and a brother Jerry (JR) Tompkins.

     She is survived by a sister Lilly (William) Harris of Keokuk, two brothers, DeWayne (Brenda) Tompkins of Johnson City, TN, Roger (Debbie) Tompkins of Cedar Falls, IA, a grand-daughter Haile Frost of Gilbertville, IA, and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

     A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 31, at 12 p.m. at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA.  A visitation will be held prior to the service starting at 10 a.m. with family meeting with friends at that time.

     Social distancing requirements will be in place and masks are strongly encouraged.

     Memorials may be made to the Southeast Iowa Area for Special Olympics. 

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com