Barbara J. Quast, 82, died peacefully at her home, surrounded by family, on March 14, 2023.
She was diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer in December and put up a courageous fight. Barbara will be missed by countless loving friends and family members.
A mass of Christian burial will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 24, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Whitewater. Visitation will be immediately beforehand from noon to 2 p.m. A celebration of life will follow from 3:30 to 7 p.m. at The Fuzzy Pig in Whitewater (everyone is welcome to come and meet Barbara’s faithful Miniature Australian Shepherd, Buddy).
Barbara grew up in Loyal, where she graduated high school. Barbara earned a degree in Fashion Merchandising from Ray-Vogue School in Chicago, which explains why she was always dressed to the nines.
Barbara met the love of her life, Allen, in her front yard in Loyal, and they married Feb. 3, 1962. Barbara worked extremely hard as a homemaker, providing a wonderful upbringing for their three children and two of their grandchildren.
She was a devout Catholic whose faith provided strength and guided her through the tragic murder of Lynnette in 1999, as well as her own diagnosis of terminal cancer. Barbara volunteered over 6,900 hours for various non-profits, most notably her 20 years as a volunteer at the Whitewater Food Pantry, where she has been the co-manager the past four years.
Customers of the food pantry often commented that Barbara was always smiling and kind, as she received her greatest joy from serving those in need.
Even after major surgery and chemo, Barbara returned to her volunteerism, serving those she loved up until the last week of her life. When her son tried to throw Barbara a retirement party from the food pantry two weeks ago, she said “I’m not a quitter!” and insisted she would continue God’s work until her dying day, which she did with great dignity and honor.
Barbara enjoyed camping with family and friends in her TowLow, traveling to amazing destinations and playing cards with family and friends (up to her final days).
Barbara is survived by her son, Bob (Becky) of Blue Grass, Iowa; dog, Buddy; five grandchildren, Chris, Brian, Jase (Kellie), Lacey (Bret), and Savanna; eight great-grandchildren, Lilly, Zoey, Owen, Emery, Rowan, Bayler, Corinne and Alec; brother, Tom (Jan); plus many nieces and nephews, including Linda and Tom Hett with whom Barbara and Allen enjoyed traveling the world.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Julia and Emil; infant brother; devoted husband, Allen; loving daughter, Lynnette; son, Tom; niece, Barb; and sister-in-law, Bev.
Barbara’s family invites everyone to share stories and condolences at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com. Any donations should please be made to her favorite charity, Whitewater Food Pantry.
