Barbara was born the daughter of Wilbur and Wilma Doud Elliott on March 26, 1937, in Grinnell, Iowa. She was raised in Grinnell and in Sioux City, Iowa. She was united in marriage to Samuel P. Kizer on October 12, 1958 in Torrance, California. To this union were born their children Robert, Debra, Samuel, James and Richard. The couple resided in Carson, California and Barbara worked for the Mattel Corporation for over twenty-five years. They moved to Grinnell in 1978 and she worked for DeLong's Sportswear for nearly thirty years. Barbara was a woman of strong faith and one who adored her family. She was an avid bingo player and Chicago Cubs fan. Her enjoyments included traveling, especially her trip to Germany, listening to country music, watching soaps during the day, and the companionship of her dog Sissy. Barbara is survived by her children, Robert (Hieke) Kizer of Florsheim, Germany, Debra Icenbice of Brooklyn, Samuel Kizer of Grinnell, James (Kim) Kizer of Grinnell, and Richard (Shari) Kizer of Dubuque, Iowa; 8 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; her sisters, Irene Brandt of Grinnell, Mary Kay Vaughn of Cedar Falls, IA, and Marilyn Faulkers of Greene, IA; and her brother, Roger Lindell of Omaha, Nebraska. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Samuel P. Kizer in 2001; and a granddaughter. Memorials may be directed to the Barbara J. Kizer Memorial Fund and sent in care of the Smith Funeral Home, PO BOX 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.