Barbara Anderson

Barbara Anderson, 76, of Kellogg, died on Sunday, September 27, 2026 at Newton Village in Newton, IA.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, October 2, 2026 at Our Silent City Cemetery in Kellogg with Pastor Amy Keenan.

Barbara’s family will receive friends at a visitation held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell.

Memorials may be designated to Sacred Encounter Hospice and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Barbara’s family online at www.smithfh.com.

Barbara Rae Rieck was born on September 26, 1950, in Des Moines, Iowa, the daughter of Lorenz William and Edna Mae (McIntosh) Rieck. She was raised in Madrid, Iowa, and graduated from Madrid High School with the Class of 1968. She continued her education at the American Institute of Business in Des Moines.

Following her education, Barbara worked for the Vernon Company in Newton and later at Skiff Medical Center. In 1977, she was united in marriage to Donald Anderson, and they were blessed with two children, Andrew and Amy. Their marriage later ended in 1994.

Barbara made her home in Kellogg and enjoyed a long career with the United States Postal Service, serving as Postmaster of the Gilman Post Office. She retired in 2010.

In her free time, Barbara enjoyed quilting and crocheting, as well as bird watching and watching Marvel movies. Above all, she treasured time spent with her family. Her two granddaughters, Makatlyn and Khryssa, held an especially dear place in her heart and brought her tremendous joy.

Barbara is survived by her children, Andrew (Dana) Anderson of Kellogg and their daughters, MaKatlyn and Khryssa, and Amy (Chris) Gathman of Kellogg; and her siblings, Roger (Donna) Rieck of Spirit Lake, IA, Linda (Jerry) Meling of Gilman, Nancy (Vern) Houseman of Georgia, Jana Raniere of Madrid, IA, and Michael (Laurie) Rieck of Madrid. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Lorenz Rieck, Jr.; and sister, Verdeen (Gary) Knox.