Barbara Ellen Ferch

Barbara Ellen Ferch, 76, of Cedar Falls, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2020, at UnityPoint Health/Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo.  She was born September 8, 1943, in Mattoon, IL, daughter of Raymond and Naomi (Boaz) Ealy.  She left high school to sell magazines while traveling across the United States and as a result of this job, she met Robert Henriksen.  Barb and Robert married June 22, 1962, but later divorced. Barb was a bartender and worked at many area bars: Flips & Elmers in Dike, the Cypress Lounge, Black Hawk Lounge and Stingers.  She met Larry Ferch while working at the Half-Pint Saloon and they were married April 27, 1994.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Larry Ferch; three sisters, Naomi Kay, Faye Holladay and Edna Broussard. She is survived by her two sons, William (Lisa) Henriksen and Brian Henriksen both of Cedar Falls; 5 grandchildren: Tanya (Mark) Greiner, Sara (Nic) Reinert, Tyler Henriksen, Holly (Dakota) Henriksen, and Andrea Henriksen; 6 great-grandchildren: Christopher, Cooper, Cali, Charlie, Lucas and Atticus; 4 sisters, June (Franklin) Stephenson, Mona (Jack) Bates, Rose (Garry) Swank and Veronica (Larry) Roztocil; and 2 brothers, Charles (Darlene) Ealy and Jerry (Linda) Ealy.

Due to COVID-19, Barb's funeral will be a private service with burial at Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens of Cedar Falls.  Condolences may be left at www.DahlFuneralHome.com and memorials may be directed to the family.

Barb was a bundle of energy and when she wasn't tending bar, she was cleaning the house or anything to keep busy.  She learned to enjoy gambling alongside Larry and the two spent time at the slot machines at Meskwaki as well as the Isle's Casino.  Most of all, Barb was a friend to all and a loving mother and grandmother to her family.