Barbara Jean Simons

Barbara Simons of PebbleCreek in Goodyear, Arizona passed away on Friday February 28, 2025, while at home with her devoted husband Richard Christiansen by her side.

Born in Omaha, Nebraska on February 7, 1953, Barb’s family moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa where she led a life enriched with laughter, family and friendship. After graduating from Cedar Falls High School in 1971, she became an extraordinary cosmetologist practicing her craft for 45 years in Cedar Falls.

In her retirement, Barb enjoyed traveling the world with her husband Rich and their many friends, enjoying weeks long visits to Ireland, England, France, and Italy. The pair delighted in taking long cruises along the Iberian Peninsula, hopping through the Greek islands and shopping in the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul. Traveling across the US was a thrilling adventure as well- visits stateside for the couple came to include Alaska, Hawaii, California and Florida. Perhaps most important to Barbara, however, were her visits to Texas where she was able to create treasured memories with her son and granddaughter. Barb's greatest joy was found in visiting and creating memorable times with her family and friends wherever they lived.

Along with her husband, Barb is survived by her son John Ramer and his family (daughter Addison, companion Kryston and her daughter Taylor) of Rockwall, TX, her sister Nancy Potter-Johnson (Sun City, AZ), and her brothers Jack (and Amy) Potter of Edmunds, WA, Tom (and Lanette) Potter of Fruita, CO, and Brad (and Janice) Potter of Overland, KS. And then of course there is Paris - her loving Cavipoo. Barb was very close to and loved by many, many relatives and lifelong friends across the country. Now, without her smile, loving looks, and compassion toward her family and friends, the world has suffered a great loss.

To know Barb was to love Barb. In her presence you felt like you were the most important person in her life. Even when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, she chose to live with dignity, grace and humor, keeping joy and conversation with everyone around her a priority. Barb continued to be present and supporting of her husband, family, and friends. She was forever a cheerleader for the KC Chiefs, the Iowa Hawks and even Rich’s softball team.

To honor Barb, please consider a donation to Honor Health Foundation directed to HonorHealth Research Institute – Pancreatic Cancer – Dr. Borazanci. Please use the attached form with QR code and/or phone number.

Barb and Rich had full faith and trust in Dr. B and his team at HonorHealth in Scottsdale. They kept Barb happy and hopeful for some of the best times of her life. Time that was filled with love.

Rest in peace Barb.