Virginia "Maxine" Barlow

Des Moines

Maxine Barlow, 92, passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2015 at Calvin Community in Des Moines from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. Funeral services will be held at Immanuel United Methodist Church, 2900 - 49th Street, Des Moines, IA on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at 12 p.m. with visitation from 11 to 12 p.m. at the church. Burial will take place at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.

Virginia was born July 22, 1922 in Mallard, IA to Agnes and Lennell “Happy” Baldwin. The family then moved to Waterloo, IA. She was literally the “girl next door” to her husband, James Arthur Barlow. Excited to learn that “Max” had moved into the neighborhood, Jim expected a new pal his age to befriend. He got so much more. They attended East High School together and married in 1942, right before Jim found himself shipped out to Europe for WWII. He returned safely and they went on to raise two children, Sharon Kay Barlow (now Sharon Barlow Rowe) and Glen Michael Barlow. The family moved to Urbandale and later to Des Moines where Jim and Maxine lived for the rest of their lives. Jim died in 2008.

Maxine was an independent, creative spirit, with a wry sense of humor. She was also a consistently generous and loving force in her family. An avid volunteer, she was a longtime presence at Living History Farms, Wesley Acres and within her church community at Immanuel United Methodist in Des Moines. She was particularly passionate about adopting and supporting immigrant families that Immanuel sponsored in the 1980’s and considered one particular family – that of Phan and Tai Chau of Windsor Heights, and their children, as her own.

Maxine was an accomplished artisan, leaving behind many cherished pieces for her children and grandchildren. A skilled bowler, she vanquished friends and family alike in both informal and league competitions. She was remarkably resourceful, surmounting any given challenge with a quick smile and determined spirit. Maxine lived a long and interesting life, and touched many. She was loved and cherished and her family will miss her so very much.

Maxine is survived by her daughter, Sharon (Gordon) Rowe of Des Moines; son, Glen Barlow (Kathy Elzey) of Port Huron, MI; grandchildren, Julie (Robert) Fisher-Rowe of Long Beach, CA, Matthew Rowe (Elizabeth Baldwin) of Bloomington, IN, and her “extra” grandchild, Erik Hageleit of Munich, Germany. Also missing her are her great-grandchildren, Janice Baldwin-Rowe and Philip and Abigail Fisher. She was also blessed with many nieces and nephews. Maxine was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James Arthur Barlow; and brothers, Bud and Marvin Baldwin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Calvin Community Good Samaritan Fund, Immanuel United Methodist Church or Hospice of Central Iowa.