The Reverend Barbara Ann (Bagley) Easley died on October 20, 2023, in Iowa City. Barbara was born on November 4, 1934 to Marjorie Jane (Roloff) Bagley and Eugene Franklin Bagley, in Brookfield, Missouri. At the age of 15, she moved with her family to Fort Madison, Iowa, where she thrived at Fort Madison High School, excelling in vocal music, academics, and Junior Achievement; after high school she was a highly sought after wedding soloist. She completed her freshman year at Iowa State Teachers’ College in Cedar Falls. In 1953 she became an executive secretary in the personnel department at Sheaffer Pen Company. She married Norris Keith Easley on November 30, 1953. Together they raised three children, Lisa Easley D’Aunno and Julia Easley of Iowa City, and John Easley of Newton.
Barbara was active in a number of Fort Madison community organizations. She directed the North Lee County Red Cross chapter from 1967 until her retirement in 1979, including providing direct service to Vietnam War service members and their families. After retiring from the Red Cross, Barbara typed transcripts for her best friend, court reporter Cheryl Newman Liles. She and Cheryl travelled often, including their annual week-long stay at the Chautauqua Institution in New York, where they attended lectures and church services. She was a long-time member and held frequent leadership roles in the Monday Afternoon Study Club, Potowonoc and PEO Chapter BS-KB. She researched and gave regular talks on the lives of Fort Madison’s historical figures, homes and buildings. She served on the Cattermole Public Library Board for twelve years, including serving as Board President during which she co-chaired the planning and construction of the Idol Rashid Memorial Library branch. She taught her children the value of public service. She loved politics and was a skilled bridge player who played in a Monday Night Ladies’ Bridge Club for over 50 years. She was a generous and frequent hostess and offered hospitality to many visitors, including Democratic Party campaign workers and visiting clergy.
After her divorce at the age of 58, Barbara resumed her sophomore year at the University of Iowa, developing an interest in scriptural scholarship. Barbara began a second career when she and five members of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Ministry Development Team in Fort Madison began their studies to be ordained. Barbara was ordained as an Episcopal priest in 2010, at the age of 75. She was a beloved member of the St. Luke’s community. For years, she organized Marshall Field Lunches, cooked the funeral lunches, and served on the Vestry; later she presided at eucharists and funerals. She served on the Diocese of Iowa Commission on Ministry and in Fort Madison Parish Partners. Barbara was known for her preaching, sharing engaging, well-researched historical perspectives on scriptural texts. She especially loved preaching on the Fourth of July and on All Saints Day, where she remembered the many saints of St. Luke’s over its 150-year history. She played an active role in training the second round of St. Luke’s Ministry Team members. She retired from the active ministry in 2018.
Barbara taught her children to dream big and provided a soft landing spot when needed. She supported her children’s careers, often travelling to care for or root for grandchildren, help with a church dinner, or make treats before the soccer game. She travelled to Paris, France seven times and loved beach vacations with her grandchildren. She cared for her parents into old age and their deaths in 2008. In 2012, Barbara moved to Iowa City to make a family home with her daughters. Their house became the setting for many happy extended family gatherings, including an exciting two years during which her grandson Nick Easley played wide receiver for the Hawkeyes. Grandma Sam was a steady presence and inspiration to her grandchildren. She continued to travel to attend her grandchildren’s college graduations and weddings, co-officiating at two weddings, until her health began to deteriorate due to dementia. In her last years, she showered her grand-dogs and cats with love, treats and furry blankets. Barbara lived at the Bickford assisted living and memory care facility until shortly before her death.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings Shirley Stevenson and Richard Bagley, and her son in law, John Robertson. In addition to her children, Barbara is survived by daughter-in-law Alison Lemke of Newton; 6 grandchildren, Elizabeth D’Aunno (Ben Janczyk) of Washington, DC, Peter (Caitlyn) D’Aunno and Katherine (Evan Goran-Dry) D’Aunno of Chicago; Matthew Easley (Sidney Burds) of Des Moines; Nicholas Easley of Ankeny; and Lavinia Easley Robertson of Iowa City; one great-grandson, Nathan Janczyk of Washington, DC; and long-time friends Cheryl and Gordon Liles.
A memorial service will be held at St. Luke’s Fort Madison at later date. King-Lynk Funeral Home in Fort Madison is handling the arrangements. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery in Fort Madison. Online condolences may be left at www.kinglynk.com
