Barbara Jane Tate

Barbara Jane Tate, age 70, of Melcher-Dallas, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home after
nearly two years of resilient living with ovarian cancer. She was surrounded by the love of her
family and friends. A celebration of life gathering will be held at Pierschbacher Funeral Home,
located at 203 NW Center St., Melcher-Dallas, IA 50163, on Monday, February 24, 2025, at
10:30 a.m. Friends and family are invited to gather and honor her memories. Family will receive
friends on Sunday, February 23 rd , at the funeral home from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to EveryStep Hospice or St.
Paul’s United Methodist Church of Pleasantville & Melcher-Dallas, continuing Barb’s legacy of
care and compassion. Memorials may also be made in care of the family to help with a
headstone.
Born on October 4, 1954, to Roger and Mary (Mead) Brown in Fort Dodge, Iowa, Barb grew up
with a compassionate heart and a lifelong dedication to caring for others. She graduated from
Carlisle High School in 1973. She married Richard Lee Tate on March 8, 1975.
For over 15 years, she volunteered with EveryStep Hospice, offering comfort and
companionship to those in need. She also dedicated 20 years to her career as a home care
provider through Marion County Health Services, ensuring the well-being of many in her
community with kindness and dedication.
A woman of deep faith, Barb was an active member of the Melcher-Dallas United Methodist
Church, where she prepared and delivered meals for shut-ins, helped serve football dinners,
and sang in the church choir. In 2013, she obtained designation as a lay minister and assisted
with preaching, teaching, leading worship, and facilitating Vacation Bible School. Her generosity
extended beyond the walls of her church, touching countless lives.
Barb’s love for plants and gardening was well known, she would often propagate plants, selling
them to raise funds for her church. Her nurturing spirit was evident in both her garden and her
relationships.
She had an infectious enthusiasm for play. Music brought her great joy, and she shared that
passion by playing clarinet in the community band. She was also the fun grandma, often arriving
with water guns, water balloons, or tie dye kits. Whether it was wiffleball in the yard, swimming,
bike rides, or game nights, Barb embraced every moment with laughter and love. She enjoyed
sewing, water aerobics, and yoga, always finding ways to stay active and engaged.
She cherished family traditions, especially extended family vacations in Whalan, Minnesota or
Moravia, Iowa, where lifelong memories were made. Stand up paddleboarding was a bucket list
item that she found relaxing. She was thankful for all her friends and helpers.
Barb is survived by her loving husband, Richard Lee Tate, and her children: Amenda Tate
(grandchildren Avery Corso and Jack Corso), Crystal Tate (grandchildren Pearl Tate (Dylan),
Marquese Tate, and Jayda Tate), and Rosanna Tate (grandchildren Daisy Williams and Tate
Broadus).
She is also survived by her stepchildren: Kimberly (Tate) Skaggs (husband Robert Skaggs,
grandchildren Cherise Tate, Taylor Skaggs, and Jaylin Skaggs; great-grandchild Jett), Rodrick
Tate (wife Jennifer Tate, grandsons Erick Tate and Matthew Tate, and Jenn’s daughters Aspen
and Sienna)
Additionally, she is survived by her brothers: Michael Brown (wife Katrina Brown, sons Nathan
Brown and Matthew Brown, and their families), Brian Brown, and Alan Brown (wife Lori Brown).
Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Roger and Mary (Mead) Brown, and her beloved
son, Jesse Tate.
Barb’s warmth, kindness, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her
memory will live on in the hearts of those whose lives she touched. She will be remembered for
her example of what it means to live through love, care, and compassion while valuing fun,
laughter, and community.