Barbara Worth Grate

Worth Grate, Barbara MADISON-Well done, good and faithful servant. On Thursday, June 18, 2015, Our Father embraced our beloved Barbara Worth Grate into the kingdom He has prepared. He holds in His hands many family and friends who are left grateful that we have lived during the time that Barbara did. Barbara was born on Dec. 28, 1935, to Marjorie and Worth Grate. She spent much of her early decades moving and was subsequently gifted at welcoming and putting at ease all kinds of people. Strangers were always just friends she hadn't said hello to yet. She had a great understanding of the needs of others and treasured her many strong relationships. She worked for many years with the State of Wisconsin Job Service where she touched the lives of adults, teaching them resume and interview preparation and life skills. She was a talented artist, painter and story teller, an avid reader, a supreme compliment giver and a cheerful volunteer for her church and community. She never missed a birthday or any occasion to create a special memory. She married Darwin Olson in 1955 and they later divorced in 1974. She was wed to George Simousek in 1976. They were married for 13 years. She raised her four sons, Jeff (Bonnie Sommers-Olson) Olson of Oregon, Wis., Jerry (Gina) Olson of Cottage Grove, Minn., Joe (Kelly) Olson of Bear Creek, Wis., and John (Lynette) Olson of Madison, with her strong spirit of generosity and integrity. She was unfailingly dedicated to her 13 grandchildren from whom she received great delight, pride and their deep devotion. They are Jeffrey (Erin Ellison) Olson, Flory (Micah) Udenby, Tae Olson, Minji Olson, Anika Olson, Danielle (Scott) Arthur, Beki (Garrett) Denney, Jessica (Jonathan) Martin, Benjamin Olson, Emily (Andy) Speropulos, Amanda Olson, Katie Olson and Joni Olson. The great joy of her life was motherhood and "Grammy"-hood. Laughter came easily to her and to anyone around her. She saw the positive in any situation and provided her family and friends with a full legacy of memories, stories, and loving guidance. We will miss her example and affection and carry her with us always. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Beverly; her brother, Marty; and her niece, Vanessa. She is further survived by her sister, Bonnie Grate Struble; and niece, Sindy Baron; and many supportive and loving friends. The family wishes to thank especially Kay, Billy, JoAnn, Debbie, Doris and Karen for their kindness and the pastoral staff of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for their compassion. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, June 23, 2015. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered with gratitude to Agrace HospiceCare in Barbara's honor. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420