Barbara "Barb" Jean Harkins Obituary (1942

Barbara "Barb" Jean (Nisley) Harkins, a resident of St. Katherine's in Davenport, Iowa died at her home on July 5th, 2020 at age 78. Barb was the last of 8 children born to Paul and Gertrude (Bohlen) Nisley in North Platte, Nebraska on May 16, 1942. She was the fraternal twin of brother "Bobby" Robert Gene Nisley, being born 20 minutes after him. She graduated from North Platte High School in 1960. Barb married William "Dutch" Thomas Harkins in Davenport in 1969. After initially pursuing a nursing degree in her younger years, she switched gears and worked for 36 years at the Quad City Times as an inserter, ultimately retiring due to health issues. Barb was known most for her smile, laugh and generosity. She would give the shirt off of her back even if she didn't have it to give. She enjoyed her friends the most, especially playing bingo and cooking for everyone. In her alone time, she enjoyed crosswords, anything cat related, movies and television, and listening to Marty Robbins. Barb is survived by daughter Carolyn (Pat) McIntyre, Davenport; grandchildren Justin (Carly) Morris, Moline; Caitlin (Tyler) Crawford, Nevada, Iowa; Zachary Arguello, Bettendorf; Gina Acree, Neosho, Missouri; bonus granddaughter Shelby (Jonathan) Stover, Moline; great grandchildren Sawyer, Addison, Hollyn and Ryan; twin brother "Bobby" Robert Gene Nisley, Auburn, Washington; brother Jim Nisley, Madison, Wisconsin; sister Diana Henry, North Platte, Nebraska; and sister Marietta Bradford, Modesto, California. Barb was preceded in death by her parents, former husband Dutch, daughter Maria Acree, brothers Paul and Charles, sister "Pat" Patsy, great grandson Carlin and many close friends that she considered family. The family would like to thank the staff and especially the residents at St. Katherine's for everything they have done for Barb over the years. We also would like to thank all of those who helped us immensely after her death in getting everything taken care of, especially Celebrate Life Iowa. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.