Barbara Colleen Harris Yungclas passed away at Northcrest Health Center in Ames on January 30, 2026.
Memorial services for Barbara Yungclas will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Ames United Church of Christ, 217 Sixth Street in Ames. Burial will take place at Chester Cemetery north of Grinnell, Iowa, at a later date.
To watch the livestream of Barbara Yungclas' memorial service, please follow this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84407314382?pwd=oSxmwvZKm7YD15aegfzfdLwYUkMdcS.1
Visitation for Barbara Yungclas will be held from 4:00 - 6:00 PM on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa.
She was born on July 29, 1938, daughter of Margaret Peak Harris and Harvey T. Harris in Grinnell, Iowa. She attended Chester #1 country school through 8th grade and then Grinnell High School, graduating in 1956. Next, she attended Iowa State Teachers College, graduating in 1960 with major in elementary education. She taught kindergarten in Davenport, IA for a year before coming to Ames in fall 1961 to start her kindergarten teaching career in Ames.
On August 19, 1962, she married William R. Yungclas whom she had met in the summer of 1949 when he was staying with his brother, Don who was her pastor at Chester Center Congregational Church.
In January of 1970 she gave birth to William Thomas (Bill) and in February 1975 she gave birth to Marjorie Sue (Missy). In the mid-1980s she started Small Wonders, a preschool through Ames Parks and Recreation. She was very active in the Ames United Church of Christ since 1968 and as a Sunday School teacher for 43 years. She was active in PEO Chapter HN for over 50 years.
She is survived by her husband, Bill, son Bill T. of Ames and daughter Missy of Welches, OR. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Henry and Thomas Harris of Grinnell; as well as Missy's partner Mike Graham.
In lieu of flowers and other customary remembrances, Barbara's family suggests that memorial contributions may be directed to Ames United Church of Christ.
I remember Barbara as one of the first people who greeted me when I walked through the doors of the Ames UCC. She and Bill were always kind, supportive and present. I've since moved away, but I think of them often, and miss them both. She will be remembered for a long time to come.
My deepest condolences to Missy, Billy Tom and Bill. Barb was like family. Her kindness and good humor were ever present and much appreciated by me.
I always really enjoyed visiting & seeing Mrs. Yungclas when I saw her either around town or the ISU Women's basketball games. She was always so kind & gracious to see me! She and Bill made a very good couple. My condolences to the family at this difficult time. May warm thoughts an memories sustain you at this time. Peace, Jim Miller
I’m so sorry for your loss. Regards to Bill and Missy. Heaven becomes more real as it becomes populated with those we know and love.
Sincerely. Keith Bailey
Mary and I send our condolences to to Bill, Bill T. and the rest of the Yungclas family.
I will miss my dear cousin, Barbara, even though we didn’t see each other often in recent years. She was beautiful, inside and out. My sincere sympathy to Bill, Bill T. and Missy as well as to all of our extended relatives and friends who loved her. I will hold many sweet memories of her in my heart
An amazing, and most kind woman we were graced to have in our lives. Sincere condolences to the Yungclas family. Rachel Lasley
Barbara was a kind and gracious lady. She and Bill were a special couple.
Visitation
Ames, IA, United States 50010
Service
Ames, IA, United States 50010
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