Born at Dora, Mo., on Aug. 31, 1914, to Ed and Iva Myrtle (Tetrick) Dobbs Ireta Tate, 91, Ava, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2005, in Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center, Ava. She was born at Dora, Mo., on Aug. 31, 1914, to Ed and Iva Myrtle (Tetrick) Dobbs. On Feb. 8, 1940, Ireta was united in marriage to Darrel Tate at Ava, and to this union a son and two daughters were born.
For more than 20 years, Ireta taught in one-room schools which included most of the schools in the east end of Douglas County. She has the distinguishing honor of being one of the pioneer basic education teachers in the nation.
She was also the Douglas County Herald correspondent for the Fox Creek Items for over 20 years.
Ireta was a Christian and loved the Lord. Until her health failed, she attended the Gentryville Church of God. She was a loving wife and a dedicated mother whose first concern was always the welfare of her family and loved ones. She was a busy homemaker who enjoyed caring for her family, canning from her big gardens and helping with the farm chores. Being a bookworm, she always found time to read. Her legacy to her family and friends will be the many memories of the happy times and wonderful meals in her home.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Darrel; her parents; two brothers, Harold Dobbs and Raymond Dobbs; one daughter, Beverly Lakey; and one great-grandchild.
Ireta is survived by one son, Joe Tate and wife, Debby, and one daughter, Rhonda Tate, all of Ava; one brother, Dr. Ralph Dobbs and wife, Sherry, of Columbia; one sister, Juanita Dougherty and husband, Howard, of Ava; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and many caring friends.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, in the Pleasant Home Rock Church with the Rev. Oscar Cunningham officiating. Burial followed in the Pleasant Home Cemetery, under the direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ava.
Memorial donations may be made to the Pleasant Home Cemetery.
