Barbara Jean Block, 70, died on Monday, March 25, 2024, at the Denison Care Center. She was born on June 28, 1953, in Denison, to Aaron and Shirley (Pitkin) Hamblen. She grew up in the Arion and Dunlap area and attended school in Dunlap. Barb was united in marriage to Rodney Block on April 24, 1976, in Denison. She worked at Murphy’s Bar, Hometown Pizza and in the kitchen at the Dunlap Care Center and devoted her time to being a mom.
Barb had a passion for simple pleasures such as watching TV, especially the Food Network, enjoying a refreshing Pepsi Cola and collecting angel figurines. Her kindness extended to the little creatures around her as she found joy in feeding squirrels and appreciating the simple beauties of nature. However, above all else, Barbara treasured spending time with her grandkids who meant the world to her.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rod in 2019; and her sister, Linda Beam. She is survived by her children, Michael Block and his wife Barb of Denison and Alisha and her husband Tim Murphy of Dunlap; six grandchildren, Haley, Brent, Brittany, Camden, Tucker and Caleb; one great-grandson, Michael; siblings, Kathy and her husband Mark Grant of Arion, Denny Hamblen of Dunlap, Terry Hamblen of Dunlap, Steve Hamblen and his wife Jacque of Dunlap and Al Hamblen and his wife Jolene of Onawa; and many other relatives and friends.
A Memorial service was held on Monday, April 1, 2024, at Fouts Funeral Home in Dunlap. Rev. Chip Borgstadt presided over the service. The recorded musical selections were “Stand by Me” by Benny King and “If I Could Turn Back Time” by Cher. The honorary pallbearers were Haley Block, Brent Krajicek, Brittany Krajicek, Camden Block, Tucker Murphy, Caleb Murphy and Michael Hardiman.
Fouts Funeral Home in Dunlap was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
