In Memory of Barbara Wright

Barbara Wright, age 92, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away on Monday, March 18, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Society of Holstein, Iowa.

A Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa.

A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at the Ida Grove Cemetery of Ida Grove, Iowa, with Pastor David Harrington and Rev. Luann Benge officiating.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Barbara Lee (Harrington) Wright, the daughter of Archie V. and Callie O. (Estep) Harrington, was born on August 15, 1931, in Ida Grove, IA. Barbara grew up in Ida Grove where she attended school and graduated from Ida Grove High School in 1949. 

In 1951 she started working in the recorder’s office in Ida County. Barb served there from 1951-1957. She then ran for the office of Recorder, and after being elected, she served until 1986. This decision to become Recorder became a life-changing one. Jack Wright, who was building a bowling alley in Ida Grove, went to the Recorder’s Office to register all the paperwork, and he met the beautiful and single Barbara Harrington. They quickly fell in love, and they were married in Omaha, Nebraska, on July 27, 1964. Barb and Jack made their home in Ida Grove. 

Jack was a huge fan of his Alma Mater, the University of Iowa, and Barbara followed right along in that love. In fact, they had a van painted in Iowa colors! They would attend as many home football games in Iowa City as possible and the van became the hang-out for many tailgate parties. It was common to see Barbara dressed in University of Iowa clothing! 

Barb and Jack enjoyed spending 17 winters in Florida before their health would no longer allow them to travel. She was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church of Ida Grove. 

Preceding Barbara in death was her husband of 57 years, Jack Wright. Jack passed away in 2021. She was also preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Jack and Duane.

Her survivors include nieces and nephews David and Carla Crosser Harrington of Shenandoah, IA; Diane and Mike Hawkins of Leawood, KS, Bill and Rachel Harrington of Independence, MO, and special friend, Sheila Redenius of Ida Grove, IA. 

Barbara was a wonderful asset to the community of Ida Grove and will be missed by many.