Obituaries : Barbara Joan Merchant

Barbara Joan Merchant, 89, passed away Saturday, December 6th, 2025 at Oak Park Estates.

Visitation will be held at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel (212 E. 6th Street, Vinton, IA 52349) on Friday, December 12th, 2025, from 4 to 6 PM followed by a private family service at the chapel. Private interment will be held on Saturday, December 13th, 2025, at Big Grove Cemetery in Vinton.

Barbara was born August 2nd, 1936, to Louis Edward Kaiser and Viola Belle Likens in Vinton, Iowa. She graduated from Garrison High School in 1954 and from beauty school in 1955. Barbara Married Wayne R. Merchant on December 18th, 1955, and resided in Glendale, California, for two years; thereafter, returning to Iowa and the Merchant family farm, where she and her husband farmed and lived for 60 years.

The mid-1980s farm crisis impacted farmers across Iowa and primarily the Midwest. Barbara became very active in the Farmer to Farmer program established to heighten public awareness and to develop support and advocacy networks for farmers and their families impacted by the financial crisis. She traveled the state and beyond, helping to create networks for support, resources, and information while advocating for policy changes.

As a beef producer for many years, Barbara was active in the Benton County Cowbelles and served as a state officer. She was a fixture for many years, along with her dear friend Shirley Benfer, coordinating and managing the “Beef Booth” at the Benton County Fair. In the mid-1990s, Barbara partnered with her sister-in-law, Eleanor Kaiser, to develop and operate a tire recycling business in Vinton for many years. She and Wayne moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa, in late 2021.

Barbara enjoyed spending time with her family, attending the grandchildren’s many activities, and travelling to visit family members and friends. She was passionately committed to her loved ones, friends, and neighbors throughout the years. Ensuring visits were made, care was given, and support provided. Whether it was collecting cans in the ditches, building a teepee for camping, or sledding on the farm, she made it an adventure. In her free time, she could be found in her woodworking shop creating toys, décor, and much more. Christmas was a special time for her. Barbara loved being with her grandchildren and children in general. Barbara and Wayne instilled in their children the value of a work ethic, the importance of education, and maintaining a good character.

Barbara is survived by her children; Steven (Jean) Merchant of Snyder, Oklahoma, Millisa (Thomas) Tierney of La Porte City, and Matthew Merchant of Vinton; her sister, Kay Seiler; her sister-in-law Gay Kaiser; nine grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Viola; her husband, Wayne; her sisters, Merldene Rich and Maxine Lockhard; her brothers, Louis Jr., Glenn, Beryl, and Veryl; her sisters-in-law, Joanne Kaiser, Selma Kaiser, Eleanor Kaiser, and Betty Merchant; and her brother-in-law, Ron Seiler.

Online condolences at www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com