Memorial
Barbara Diane (Gill) Kouba, known as Barb by friends and family, passed away at the age of 86 on March 10, 2025, at St Luke's Hospital. Services will be held at St Paul's United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. Monday March 17, 2025, with a visitation prior from 10:00-11:00 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. The burial will be private.
Barb was born December 15, 1938, daughter of Hillis and Ruth (Lacock) Gill of Marion, Iowa. Barb graduated from Marion High School in 1959 and Williams Woods University in Fulton, Missouri.
Survivors include her husband of 59 years, Gary, daughter Lorie (fiancé Jeff Schuster) of Cedar Rapids and first cousin Diane Zwick of Waverly, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Frederic Jerome Gill.
Next to her family, her love was singing, especially for outstanding directors. She always felt 'he who sings prays twice.' Barb was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church and choir for over 60 years and many singing groups including Sweet Adelines, New Notes, Chorale Midwest, The Cedar Singers and Follies. Barb was also a 50-year PEO member. She enjoyed a career in banking and various volunteer groups.
Barb will forever be remembered for her kind, gentle spirit, room-brightening smile and beautiful singing voice. Barb was an above and beyond caring wife and mother.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to St Paul's United Methodist Church Music Department 1340 3rd Avenue SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52403.