THERESA (Tracy) MARGARET O’BARA

Born September 15, 1931 - Passed March 19, 2026

Tracy is survived by her loving children: Don (Lillie), Linda

(Brad Fortier), and Stan (JoAnn) - Grandchildren: Kelli, Alison, Chad,

Todd, Dylan, and Kaitlyn - Great-grandchildren: Zack, Lexie, Brooklyn,

Madyson, Sharla, and Ellieana, and Great-great-grandchildren: Kinsley, Beckham, and Aspen.

She was born in the small town of Starkey Township in North Dakota, to

devoted parents Michael and Alousia (Mossinger) Moser. She was the

youngest of seven brothers and four sisters. Her two eldest brothers,

Val and Pete, went in search of work and a better life. They found it

in Yakima Washington, phoning home to tell their parents to sell the

farm and move on out. So at the tender age of three, her family loaded up their Model-T and headed West.

The whole family worked in the hop fields, camping in the field

throughout the season. Her father refused any payment until their work

was done. Then he managed their money throughout the year until the next hop season.

In early February of 1951 Tracy visited her good friend Betty Pelso,

along with her boyfriend. But this visit included a new gentleman in

town, the strapping Rudy Joseph O’Bara. Rudy became quickly enamored

with the beautiful Tracy, she too found of the handsome young man,

their blushing faces easily seen in the surviving photo that was taken

that very day. Within one week, Rudy had broken up with his girlfriend

and asked Tracy to be his wife. She agreed and the love birds were married on November 10, 1951.

Rudy had recently been honorably discharged from the military and

helped her family in the hop fields. But Rudy, wanting more

opportunities for his new bride, suggested they move to his home town

of West Rutland, VT. The family was sad to see the now pregnant Tracy

move, especially her father who couldn’t bring himself to say goodbye.

On March 15, 1953 Paul Joseph O’Bara was born. A beautiful baby boy.

Heartbreakingly at just four months, Paulie showed signs of concern.

Long days, nights, and visits to the hospital wore on the new couple.

Homesick, worried, and increasingly in debt, Tracy asked to move back

home. Rudy flew his wife and child back to Yakima and stayed behind for three months to pay off their debts.

Once reunited, the happy couple had three more babies and a loving 57

years of marriage. They went on many adventures: camping, cross

country trips, and drove twice to Alaska.

When Rudy passed in May of 2009, Tracy’s family took up the reigns and

made sure she wanted for nothing. And after 17 years, Tracy is now

reunited with her loving family, husband, and their beautiful first child Paulie.

Tracy’s wonderful German dishes, infectious laughter, and unending love will be forever missed.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Arcadia Medical

Resort of Parkside, especially Rhonda.

In lieu of flowers please donate to St. Jude Children’s Research

Hospital, a charity that Tracy loved and contributed to annually.

Reception of the Rosary will be from 5-9pm on April 10th at Vally

Hills Funeral Home - 2600 Business Lane, with the Rosary starting at 6:30pm.

A Funeral will be held at 10am on Saturday April 11th at St. Paul

Cathedral, with a luncheon following. A private burial for immediate

family will held at a later date.