Barbara Tate Strickler Obituary

Barbara Tate Strickler
January 2, 1933 – July 13, 2013

Barbara Tate Strickler of Turlock passed away after a short period with cancer. Her loving husband Robert, and family were by her side. Barbara was born in Menomonie, Wisconsin, to Clarence and Rosamay Schabacker. At the age of 5, Barbara and her mother moved to L.A., CA. Her mother married Charles DeVito and soon she had a brother, Chuck DeVito.

The family moved to Turlock, December of 1948. Barbara graduated from Turlock High School in 1950. She attended college in Menomonie, WI, then returned to Turlock and married Eugene Tate. They had three sons: Alan Tate, Craig Tate, and Michael Tate. Barbara worked in their grocery store and also continued her education at Stanislaus State University where she received her California Teachers Credential in 1970. She was hired at the Chatom School District. Barbara loved teaching there and made many lifelong friends. After retiring, she continued to work at Chatom, teaching reading recovery. She also substituted for Stanislaus County Schools.

On October 5, 1991, Barbara married the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Strickler. They started a whole new life together. Barbara had been dancing for ten years prior to their marriage and together they continued to take dance lessons and entered many competitions. They belonged to the Carousel Club in Modesto, Fresno Smooth Dancers, Merrymakers Club in Stockton, Ballroom Dance Club, and Forever Young Country Dance club. They met many good friends through their dancing. Barbara loved to work in her garden at the dream house Robert built for her in 2002. Barbara enjoyed being with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also looked forward to the many Sunday dinners wither her son Alan (Diane) and family. Bob and Barbara went on a few cruises that they enjoyed very much, especially the dancing and shows.

Barbara was preceded in death by her mother, Rosamay DeVito Schaffer, and her father, Clarence Schabacker. She leaves behind her devoted husband, Robert Strickler, sons, Alan Tate (Diane), Craig Tate, Michael Tate (Maggie), step sons Dale Strickler (Loretta), Danny Strickler, her brother, Chuck DeVito (Carol), her grandchildren, Bethanni Hoffman (Ryan), Derrick Tate (Dwanna), Hannah Hawtin, Brandon Tate, Tara Tate, step grandchildren Bryn Miller (Chuck), Becca Garzeli McDowell (Lon), Carlie Briones (Josh), D.J. Strickler, Robert Strickler (Sam), and twelve great, wonderful, little great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7pm on Friday, July 19th at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd. in Turlock. A funeral service will be held at 11am on Saturday, July 20, 2013 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 640 N. Minaret in Turlock. Entombment will be private at Turlock Memorial Park.

The family suggests memorial contribution be made to: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 640 N. Minaret, Turlock, CA 95380 or The Shriner’s Hospital For Children 2425 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95817.