Barbara Rae Dean

Barbara Rae Dean, 79, of Cedar Falls, Iowa, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Barbara was born on April 2, 1947, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to Raymond and Beulah "Beep" Hughes. She was the oldest of four children and spent her childhood in Wisconsin before moving with her family to Cedar Falls, Iowa.

On September 12, 1987, Barbara married the love of her life, Casey Allen Dean. Together they built a home centered on faith, love, and family. Casey lovingly adopted Barbara's three sons, and together they shared nearly 39 years of marriage, creating a legacy that continues through generations.

Barbara dedicated 38 years of her career as a registered nurse at Allen Memorial Hospital, where she compassionately cared for countless patients and families.

Barbara's greatest joy was her family. She cherished every moment spent with them and treasured the many dear friends and neighbors who became like family. One of her great-grandchildren once said they loved Grandma Barb because "she always laughed." Those simple words perfectly captured Barbara's joyful spirit and the warmth she brought to everyone she met.

Barbara was raised in the church and always believed in God. At the age of 40, while studying her Bible, she came to the life-changing realization that Jesus Christ had died for her personally. That understanding transformed her faith into a deeply personal relationship with her Savior. Barbara loved sharing her faith with others and prayed that, through her testimony, they too would come to know the same peace, hope, and assurance she found in Christ.

Barbara's life was a testimony to God's grace, her unwavering faith, and her love for others. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of faith, kindness, and joyful laughter will live on in all who knew and loved her.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Beulah Hughes.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Casey Allen Dean; her three sons, Chad (Kellie) Dean of La Porte City, Chris (Tammi) Dean of Cedar Falls, and Travis (Susan) Dean of Cedar Falls; her grandchildren, Madeline, Carter, Andrew, Samantha, Garrett, Kaelee, Austin, Wesley and Cameron; her great-grandchildren, Paxton, Phoebe, Mila, Atlas, and Cohen; her brothers, Rod (Ruth) Hughes, Kirby (Barbara) Hughes, and Gordon (James) Hughes; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear neighbors, and cherished friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home in Cedar Falls.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 10, at 10:30 AM at Candeo Church, with burial to follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the family and will be designated to charities that were especially meaningful to Barb.