Barbara Lee Mansheim, 87, of the Kensington in Fort Madison, Iowa, formerly of West Point, passed away at 6:47 a.m. Thursday, December 25, 2025, at the Kensington.
She was born on February 14, 1938, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of Charles and Mary (Symmonds) Ellison. Barbara was the second child and oldest sister of 10 children – 5 boys and 5 girls. On January 5, 1957, she married Thomas Mansheim. He preceded her in death on December 8, 2012.
Survivors include her three sons: Rick (Jenny) Mansheim of Fort Madison, Iowa, Chris (Cindy) Mansheim of Lino Lakes, Minnesota, TomPaul (Lisa) Mansheim of Plainwell, Michigan; two daughters: Barbara (Jay) Kelly of Kokomo, Indiana, Brenda Mansheim (Frank Lamartine) of Franklin, Iowa; thirteen grandchildren; eight great grandchildren, four sisters and three brothers. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Tom; brothers: Michael Ellison and Charles Ellison.
Barbara was a 1956 graduate of Donnellson High School. The following year, at age 18, she married Tom, the love of her life. And at age 40, after raising their 5 children, she returned to school and earned an accounting degree with honors from Iowa Wesleyan College. She worked with Farm Bureau and Prugh Funeral services before starting her own Insurance business out of her home – Mansheim Insurance Services. Eventually she moved her office to 109 8th Street, where it remains today. She was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church. She had a strong faith in God, and it directed and guided her throughout her life. She was very involved in National Marriage Encounter, doing workshops with Tom and mentoring young couples. Barbara was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved math, playing cards, doing puzzles, and Sudoku. She loved making candy (and eating it), listening to country music and spending winters with Tom at Dauphin Island in Alabama. Later in life her greatest joy was spending treasured time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also looked forward every spring and fall to bi-annual weekend get togethers with her beloved four younger sisters, who knew her only and affectionately as “Sissy”.
She was positive, upbeat and loved life. She left her mark on us all and she will be greatly missed.
Her body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Homes for cremation.
A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 20, 2026, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 20, 2026, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson with Father Dan Dorau officiating.
Burial will be at String Prairie Cemetery, rural Argyle, Iowa.
If you would like to donate in Barbs name to the Worldwide Marriage Encounter please visit wwme.org/about-us/legacy-fund/
Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.
