Barbara J Van Tassel

Barbara Van Tassel passed away on July 14, 2024, at Delta Health. She was 95 years old. A family graveside service will be held on Friday, July 19, 2024. A Celebration of Life / Memorial Service will be held on September 14, 2024. 

Barbara was born on September 16, 1928, in Modesto, California to Esther (Becker) Porto and Thomas Smith Bingham. She grew up in Northern and Central California. She graduated from Hanford High School in Hanford, California in 1948.

She married Eursel Van Tassel on April 29, 1949. They celebrated 61 years of marriage prior to Eursel’s passing. They moved to Delta, Colorado in 1978. Barbara worked for many years at Comet Drug Store in Main Street in Delta, Colorado as a soda fountain clerk. She enjoyed making milk shakes, malts, banana splits, sundaes, and many other foods and beverages but she mostly loved talking with the people that came in, especially the ones that worked at Meadow Gold and went over for their breaktime or lunch. 

When not working, she enjoyed sewing. She was known for making sock monkeys and beautifully dressed bunny rabbits. She enjoyed working in her yard growing a variety of flowers. Even at age 94, you would find her most mornings during Spring through Fall pulling weeds from her garden beds. 

She faithfully attended Delta Christian Church where she was known as teacher Barb for teaching the preschoolers about Jesus. She loved singing in the choir and with the worship team. She also enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her father and mother-in-law, Perry, and Irene Van Tassel; one sister; and two brothers. 

Barbara is survived by three children, Douglas Van Tassel of Delta, Colorado, Sharon (Lane) Briscoe of Patoka, Illinois, and Sandy (Jerry) Tolka formerly of Delta, Colorado, currently of Norco, California; three grandchildren, Robert Pugh and significant other, Annette Dieckmann of Patoka, Illinois, Michelle (Tolka) and John Stout of Jacksonville, Florida, Kimberly (Tolka) and Blake Ryan of Norco, California; and five great-grandchildren, Audrey and Christopher Pugh of Centralia, Illinois, and Evan, Madisyn, and Avery Ryan, all from Norco, California. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Barbara’s name to Delta Christian Church Youth Group, 795 1600 Rd. Delta, Colorado 81416.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service & Crematory.