Barbara Jean (Osweiler) Waterhouse

Barbara Jean Waterhouse, 75, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away following a lingering illness, on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at her home surrounded by family. She was born on March 16, 1949, in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Charles and Gladys (Hines) Osweiler. At a young age, her family moved to Shell Rock. Barbara was a 1967 graduate of Waverly-Shell Rock High School.

On October 14, 1967, Barbara was united in marriage to Marvin Waterhouse at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waterloo. Their life journey began with Marv serving in the U.S. Army for three years. The family then moved to Sioux City, Iowa, Independence, Missouri, and then to Blue Springs, Missouri. In April of 1974, Manchester became their permanent home where they raised their four children, in addition to welcoming six grandchildren (all were Grammy’s favorites).

For 25 years, Barbara traveled a three-state area selling her homemade crafts. (Marvin said she was never happy – if she sold a lot she had to go home and make more…and if she didn’t, she was disappointed!) Following her craft business, she managed The Café at Manchester Livestock Auction until granddaughter Hannah was born. For many years thereafter, people still remarked about Barbara’s homemade cinnamon rolls.

Barbara was a longtime member of St. Mary Catholic Church. She was most proud of her family and their family values. At get togethers, not only on holidays but just for no special occasion, she loved playing cards, games, and visiting.

Survivors include her husband of 57 years, Marvin Waterhouse of Manchester; four children, Rachel (Matt) Schwalm of Dubuque, Valerie Waterhouse of Iowa City, David (Kelly) Waterhouse of Manchester and their children, Molly, Wesley, and Will, and Sarah (Dan) Taylor of Manchester and their children, Hannah, Millie, and Charlie Jean; sisters, Lois Ann Fink and Okqua Smith both of Shell Rock; and several nieces and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; and nephew, Christopher Finek.

Barbara was always gracious in her life-changing journey with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). A special mention to Judy Ellingson for her weekly visits playing cards with Barbara and then reading the bible, and to Patty Rauch for her weekly fellowship with Barbara. Also to Care Initiatives Hospice (Teresa Tibbott, Vicki Funke, Kheem Garbes, Heidi Ducharme, Angie Kramer, Samantha Hare, Maisie Gould, and Deacon Mike Timmerman) for their compassionate care.

Nobody deserves more mention than daughters, Rachel, Valerie, and Sarah, son, David, and all the grandchildren for their weekly (sometimes daily) visits to Grammy. It was done with love, not obligation.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary’s School, 145 West Butler Street, Manchester, Iowa 52057.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be livestreamed at http://blessedtrinitycluster.com

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