Barbara Ann Teach, 92, of rural Ottumwa passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 25, 2024 at 9:20 a.m. at Vista Woods Care Center. She was born on May 9, 1932 in Young Hickory Township, IL, the daughter of Clarence and Lucille Bell Dallefeld. Barbara graduated from Spoon River Valley Schools in Illinois on May 29, 1950. On August 26, 1950, she was united in marriage to Lyle Will Teach and to this union, three children were born, Terri, Shawna and Todd.
Lyle and Barbara began their lives together in Illinois until 1963 when Lyle happened upon the ideal farm to purchase west of Ottumwa, IA. It is here where Lyle and Barbara established themselves as beef cattle producers while raising their three children. Their legacy of the family farm continues to this day. Barbara and Lyle shared 46 wonderful years of marriage prior to Lyle’s passing on October 10, 1996.
Later, Barbara formed a friendship with Bob Greiner and the two would eventually marry. They loved spending time cruising in their Cub Cadet side by side checking the cattle on the farm and going on different Case IH work trips with Germany being the highlight. Barbara and Bob shared 22 years together until Bob’s passing on May 14, 2023.
Barbara was a devoted and proud farm wife and homemaker. She took care of the home and farm while Lyle was trucking cross-country. Barbara was a talented baker making all sorts of goods for her family and friends. She was known for her apple and rhubarb pies, homemade ice cream with chocolate sauce, and brownies.
Barbara loved spending time outside on her farm. She especially loved trips to the Russell sale barn to watch her cattle be auctioned. Barbara cherished her family especially spending time with her grandchildren.
Barbara is survived by 2 daughters, Terri (Pete) Henkels of Altoona, IA and Shawna (Steve) Williams of Hobe Sound, FL; 1 son, Todd (Rosemary) Teach of rural Ottumwa; 3 step-sons, Greg (Terri) Greiner of Agency, IA, Paul Greiner of Batavia, IA, and Robert (Cassandra) Greiner of Ozark, MO; 8 grandchildren, Leigh (Josh) O,Tool, Travis (Melissa) Dowie, Amberle (Travis) Wedig, Joe Williams, Leslie Williams, Tyler Benham, Savanah (Mark McNicholas II) Benham, and Kyle (Rachel) Teach; 7 step-grandchildren Tyler Greiner, Chelsea (Clint) Kaller, Sarah (Brandon) Enloe, Emallee Greiner, Talia (Chris) Dunn, Morgan Greiner, and Adam Greiner; 11 great-grandchildren, Taylor Adamson, Ryleigh O’Tool, Ari Saldana, Jaxson Dowie, Trinity and Ariana Wedig, Mark McNicholas III, Riggs McNicholas, Wyatt, Walker, and Weston Teach; 8 step-great-grandchildren; and her sister Rebecca Gibbons of Springfield, IL; her sisters-in-law Patricia Dallefeld and Janis Dallefeld. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and good friends.
Barbara was preceded in death by her first husband, Lyle Teach; her second husband, Bob Greiner; her parents, Clarence and Lucille Dallefeld; brothers, Elden “Cotton” Dallefeld and John Dallefeld; and a grandson-in-law, Tyler Nelson.
Visitation will be open at 12 noon Friday, August 30th at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday.
Private graveside services and burial will be at Munterville Lutheran Cemetery with Pastor Mel Kendall officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Wapello County 4-H Foundation.
