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Obituary for Barbara Lee Iten
Barb passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on April 19, at the age of 66. She was an inspirational teacher, dedicated coach, loving family member and caring friend. She was born April 6, 1949 in Klamath Falls, OR to Fred and Janice Iten. Growing up in Ferndale and Ukiah, CA, Barb got to experience what she referred to as 'The Greatest Childhood in America'. Barb was known for her athletic prowess and competitive nature and excelled in every sport she attempted. A three-time team MVP for UC Davis and a three-sport athlete in basketball, volleyball and softball in the early 1970's, Barb was the second woman inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame. She earned degrees in political science and education at UC Davis, and a Master of Science degree in physical education from Western Illinois University. Barb began her coaching career in 1974 at Davis High School with a group of young women, with whom she would develop a sisterhood that would last throughout her life. Thereafter followed 16 years of coaching basketball at UC Berkeley, Cal State Hayward, Dartmouth, and Iowa State. Returning to California, she began a 20-year tenure coaching basketball, softball, volleyball, golf and football at Dixon High School. She enjoyed traveling and had a network of friends that spans the globe. She serves as a shining example to us all of how life should be lived; with the courage to forge one's own path, the drive to get there and the compassion to care deeply for all those encountered along the way. She lived life to the fullest with a smile on her face and a song ready to sing. Although she had countless awards, honors, and recognitions for a lengthy list of achievements, she was most proud of the meaningful impact on--and life lessons she instilled in--her students and athletes. Students told Barb she was tough but fair and thanked her for helping to prepare them for life. Barb touched the lives of many and is survived by Terry Iten and John Kildahl, Liz and Matt Heres, Whitney Olmedo, Alison and Jeff Kuffel; John and Becky Iten, John Iten II, Branson Iten, Kyle and Bre Holden, Richelle and Chad Peppers, Joey Iten; Bruce and Marian Chmieleski, Steve and Kate (Russum) DeHoff, Jenny Chmieleski, Annie Chmieleski; and beloved grandnieces and grandnephews. Services will be held on Saturday, April 25, 11 a.m., at McCune Garden Chapel, 212 Main St. in Vacaville. In lieu of flowers Barb would surely appreciate a contribution to the Barbara Lee Iten Memorial Scholarship at UC Davis. An award will be given annually to a graduate student working in cancer research. Donations can be made by check or by phone. Please make checks payable to: UC Davis Foundation For/memo: IMO Barbara Lee Iten Scholarship. Send to: ATTENTION: Janet S. Berry, UC Davis Foundation (2nd Floor), One Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616.
