Barbara Ann Salato, born on September 13, 1929, in Centerville, IA, to Elmer and Mary (Buban) Day. She was a woman whose life was richly woven with threads of love, faith, and service. She married John Salato on May 10, 1952 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Centerville.
For nearly 70 years, Barb called Albia, Iowa her home, spending many of those years on Hocking Hill, a place deeply embedded in her heart. Barb was not just a resident, but an integral part of the community. Her hands, always busy, found joy in the soil of her beloved garden, the vibrant hues of her diamond dotz art, the shuffle of playing cards, and the culinary symphony of her kitchen. Barb was a woman of faith, a dedicated member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary. Her love for her faith was only surpassed by her love for her family, especially the precious moments spent with her grandchildren. She was a beacon of selflessness, her life a testament to the power of giving.
She attended Ottumwa Heights Diploma Nursing program, extending her nurturing nature beyond her home to the community through various church and community groups, including St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary. Barb’s legacy is one of love and service, a life lived fully, with faith, family, and friends at the center of her world.
Survivors include her children, Steve (Linda) Salato of Urbandale, Rita (Duane) Lepeska of Urbandale, Mary Jo (John) Judge of Des Moines, Tom (Deb) Salato of Knoxville; grandchildren, Angela and Michael Salato, Sean and Kevin (Catrina) Judge, Tony and Jordan Salato; one great granddaughter, Anna Rosemary Judge. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Mary Day; husband, John “Goose” Salato; one great grandson, Jack William Judge.
A rosary will be held at 9:30 a.m., on Friday, June 6, 2025, followed by visitation from 9:45 – 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m with Father Issac Essel officiating at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. A luncheon will follow services with a private family interment to follow in Oakview Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Albia Ministerial Association or St. Mary’s Altar & Rosary.
Please join us in remembering Barb Salato. Feel free to share your favorite memories and upload photos of Barb to her memorial page. Your stories and pictures will help us all remember the wonderful, caring woman she was.
