Barbara Jean Talcott Barbara Jean Talcott (McCollough) passed away peacefully in Tacoma on August 30, 2017 at the age of 91. She was born on December 28, 1925 in Webster City, Iowa to George McCollough and Blanche McCollough (Hoot). She married her high-school sweetheart, Richard, on June 28, 1946 in Webster City, Iowa. The couple welcomed five children into their home, all of whom remember Barbara as a kind and caring mother, who highly valued education and encouraged each of them to achieve their personal dreams and goals. Barbara graduated from Colorado State College, now the University of Northern Colorado, in Greeley, Colorado with a degree in education. After moving to Tacoma, Washington, she taught elementary school children, primarily first graders. She especially loved teaching children to read. She also excelled as a naturally talented singer, who, at 18, was accepted by the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, Maryland. She decided, however, not to attend, instead choosing to raise a family. She was an active and dedicated member of Life Center church in Tacoma, frequently attending Bible classes and singing in the choir. Barbara is survived by her children, Thomas Talcott; William (Ellen) Talcott (son Scott (Allison) Peters, great-grandson, Oliver Peters); John (JoJo) Talcott (sons Andrew (Samantha) Talcott-Robbins and Adam Talcott, daughters Nicole Talcott and Holly Talcott); David Talcott; and Jane (Monica Murray) Talcott. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Richard Talcott, her sister, Margaret Genschmer (McCollough), of Webster City, Iowa, and her brother, Richard McCollough, of Webster City, Iowa. A funeral service will be held Thursday, September 7, 2017, at New Tacoma Cemetery's Evergreen Chapel, 9221 Chambers Creek Road West, University Place, Washington. A viewing begins at 10:00 a.m., with a chapel service at 11:00, followed by a graveside service, burial, and reception. Close friend and teacher, Bill Streeter, has been asked to present thoughts and reflections during the chapel and graveside services. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Barbara's life. Condolences can be sent to www.newtacoma.com. The family would like to thank Barbara's friends and staff at Tahoma Terrace and caregivers and staff at Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community for their care and dedication.