Barbara Jane Cornelius

In Loving Memory of Barbara Jane Cornelius 

October 31, 1930 – June 22, 2025

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, sister and aunt entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on June 22, 2025, at the age of 94.

She was born on October 31, 1930, to George and Lela Lovell, and lived a life full of devotion, joy, and quiet strength. She was married for 66 wonderful years to her junior high school sweetheart, Merv Cornelius—a love story rooted in faith and friendship. Merv preceded her in death (2014), and their lifelong bond remains a powerful example of love and commitment.

Together, she and Merv owned and operated Cornelius Auto Repair for many years.

A proud graduate of Urbandale High School, she was a spirited member of the basketball team, played percussion in the band, and was honored as homecoming queen. Her love of music was lifelong—she was a gifted, self-taught musician who played the piano, organ, and accordion entirely by ear. For many years, she shared her talents at Aurora Avenue Bible Church, filling the sanctuary with hymns and devotion.

She was adored by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who knew her as a gentle soul full of warmth and grace. Her faith was the foundation of her life, visible in the way she welcomed, comforted, and uplifted everyone around her. She lived and loved like Jesus, with kindness and quiet compassion.

She is survived by her children, Dan Cornelius (Vikki) and Susan Leibrand (Scott); her grandchildren, Scott Cornelius, Chris (Jonann) Cornelius, Amy (Jason) Balm, Kim (Mark) Menadue, Angie (Andres) Pelaez, and Nikki (Mike) Webb; her great-grandchildren, Ryan Cornelius, Carter and Jayden Cornelius, Mallory and Avery Balm, Ty and Bella Anderson, Gabe and Sam Pelaez, Corbin and Ronan Webb; and her great-great granddaughter, Bella Cornelius.

She is also survived by her beloved sister, Beverly Wagoner, with whom she shared a lifelong bond of love and memories.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Gerold Lovell, and by her parents, George and Lela Lovell—all of whom she held close in heart throughout her life.

Though we mourn her loss, we celebrate her heavenly homecoming—a reunion with loved ones gone before and an eternity spent praising the Lord she cherished. Her legacy lives on in each life she touched.

Funeral services for Barbara will be held at Sunset Memorial Chapel (7601 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321) on Saturday, June 28th, 2025.  Visitation will start at 10 AM and the Funeral Ceremony will commence at 11 AM.  Following the Funeral Ceremony, Barbara will be laid to rest in Sunset’s cemetery, all are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to: Aurora Avenue Bible Church (5 NW Aurora Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313).