Barbara Darrah Obituary

Barbara Ann (Hawks) Darrah Barbara Ann Darrah passed peacefully in her home in Little River, South Carolina on June 17, 2025. She was enjoying her favorite pastime, watching "her sports"; the World Series and recap of the US Open. Barbara was born on November 21, 1926 to Jim and Mavia Hawks in Des Moines, Iowa. She enjoyed her childhood in Des Moines before her fearless spirit led her to Dayton, Ohio at the young age of 17. There she helped with war efforts in the assembly of the legendary American fighter bomber aircraft, the P-51 Mustang. Her beauty and strength of character did not go unnoticed, particularly by the officers. After making a memorable impression, she returned home to Iowa with a new sense of pride, as well as a new nickname: "Jailbait". After returning to Iowa she enrolled in Drake University where she became fast friends with her sorority sister, Rose Marie Darrah. Barbara fell in love at first sight when she laid her beautiful blue eyes on the love of her life, William Hinton Darrah. Upon asking Rose Marie "Who is THAT?" Rose Marie smirked and replied, "my baby brother". Barbara quickly penned a Dear John letter (yes, many a heart was broken by B.A.D.) and the rest was history. Will and Barbara married in September and were blessed with three boys, Tommy, Bill and Tim. Sadly, Tommy passed away in infancy. Bill and Tim were raised in the wonderful community of Fort Dodge, Iowa where they quickly became lifelong friends with their neighbors, the Goodrich family. Jean Goodrich and Barbara quickly became inseparable. Their backyards soon became one big yard and many a card game or prank was played. She and Will loved to travel and lived in a myriad of beautiful places: from Texas, Burlington, NC, Myrtle Beach, to Charleston, and so on, but Barbara always said her true home will always be IOWA. Barbara's passion for "her sports" and love for singing will continue through generations, but her greatest accomplishment and legacy will forever be her family. She was preceded in death by her two boys, Bill and Tim, and her husband Will, who, without a doubt, has impatiently been awaiting her arrival in Heaven. Her kindness and love for her family lives on through her grandchildren: Matthew, Mac, Suzy (Sunshine), Katie (Sugar Plum), Sam (Sweet Pea) and Alexandra, as well as her beloved great-grandchildren. A private burial will take place at North Lawn Cemetery in Fort Dodge, bringing her home once more. To honor Barbara's request, no service will be held. To honor the love story that began at Drake University, In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting a contribution be made to Drake University in memorium. (Please be sure to note: "In memory of Barbara Ann Darrah" when making a donation.) Contributions can be made via the below link: https://alumni.drake.edu/giving And remember what she always said, "When you look up at the stars, know that I am smiling down on you and I love you." You are sorely missed, Grandma. We love you. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara Ann (Hawks) Darrah, please visit our floral store.