Barbara Pate, age 69, of the Crabtree Community, went Home to be with the Lord on Monday, December 8th, 2025, at Mission Hospital. A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late J.B. and Maude King Dodd. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband of 32 years, Ronald Franklin Pate; three brothers: Bennie, Steve and Clay Dodd; and a sister, Sanna Dodd.
Barbara was the heart of her family. She was a devoted wife to her husband, whom she loved deeply and missed dearly after his passing. Their bond was one built on love and understanding — a love that continued to guide her long after he was gone. She was also a proud and loving mother to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, each of whom carries a piece of her spirit within them. Her home was a place of comfort, warmth, and unconditional love, because Barbara made it so. Barbara took great pride in caring for her family. She found joy in the everyday moments—meals shared, stories told, and time spent together. Her love was shown not just in words, but in actions, day after day, year after year. Beyond her home, Barbara dedicated more than 30 years of her life to caring for others as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Smoky Ridge Health and Rehabilitation. She touched countless lives with her compassion and treated every resident with dignity, respect, and heartfelt care. Her life was one of service—to her family, to her community, and to those who needed care and comfort the most. She showed us what it means to love selflessly, to work hard, and to give without expecting anything in return.
Her loved ones who remain to honor her life include two daughters: Ann Crowder of Little Switzerland and Amanda Pate (Kevin Griffith) of Blue Rock; two sons: Robert Pate (Lahna) of Spruce Pine and Ryan Pate of Crabtree; six grandchildren: Tyler Crowder and Trenton Crowder, Elizabeth, Clay and Emily Pate, and Jenny Griffith; great-grandson, Waylon Pate; brother, Bobby Dodd of Crabtree; and sister, Christine Dodd Goforth of Marion. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
