Barbara Chermack

Barbara (Barb) Tautfest Chermack, known to most as “Barb,” was born on September 9, 1955, in Blackwell, Oklahoma, to Margaret Louise Willerton Tautfest and Richard Tautfest. She was raised on the family farm northwest of Red Rock, Oklahoma, where she developed her deep appreciation for nature, hard work, and strong family values—qualities that would define her life. Barb attended Marland Public Schools and graduated with the class of 1973. During her school years, she was a vibrant and active student, participating in basketball, track, softball, and 4-H. She especially loved working with her cattle in 4-H, but her true passion was basketball. As talented athlete, she earned a scholarship to play for the Northern Oklahoma College Mavericks and graduated from NOC in 1975. Pursuing her love of sports and education, Barb transferred to Oklahoma State University, where she briefly played basketball for the Cowgirls. She completed her degree in physical education in 1978. Her student teaching took place in Red Rock OK, and shortly after, she began her teaching career in Marland, Oklahoma. After teaching for a year, Barb transitioned to Wilkins Equipment for a brief period. In 1983, she found her way to Blackwell Hospital, working as a nursing assistant. It was there she discovered her true calling—caring for others. Inspired and determined, Barb returned to school and earned her Registered Nursing degree from NOC in 1986. Nursing wasn’t just a career for Barb—it was a vocation filled with compassion, dedication, and heart. During this time, Barb met the love of her life, Joe Chermack. The two were married in 1995, beginning a beautiful partnership grounded in love, laughter, and mutual respect. Their honeymoon—fittingly unconventional—was spent in a tree stand on the family farm. No deer were harmed, but many cherished memories were made. In 1996, Barb and Joe purchased land just a mile and a half from her childhood home. Together, they poured their hearts into transforming the land into a home. After years of hard work, their dream house was completed in 2003. It became a gathering place for family and friends, with Barb especially looking forward to the annual Memorial Day cookout, a celebration she treasured deeply. Barb embraced life on the farm with joy and commitment. Whether it was tending to her garden, mowing the yard, or sipping her morning coffee while watching the cows graze, she found peace and happiness in the simple moments. Evenings were spent on her veranda, watching the sun set and listening to the sounds of nature, activities that brought her immense contentment. Barb was blessed with three beloved bonus children: Larry Joseph Chermack, Greg Jon Chermack, and Janet Maria (Chermack) Potter. After Joe’s passing in 2014, they continued to stand by her side, helping with farm operations and committing to preserving the legacy that Barb and Joe built together. Their dedication will ensure that the family farm continues to thrive for generations to come.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and Richard Tautfest; her brother, Rick Tautfest; sister-in-law, Joyce Tautfest; and the love of her life husband, Joe Chermack.

She is survived by her devoted sister, Deb Milliner of Tarboro, North Carolina; her three cherished bonus children: Larry Joe Chermack and his wife Angela of McAlester, Oklahoma; Greg Chermack and his wife Leah of Allen, Oklahoma; and Janet Potter and her husband Thomas of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. Barb also leaves behind her grandchildren: Nicholas and Courtney Chermack of Mounds, Oklahoma; Josh and Brett Eden of Missouri and Allen, Oklahoma; Casey Steer of Allen, Oklahoma; Jessica Potter of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; Zane Potter of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, and good friends Ruby and Tony Bennett of Marland, Oklahoma.

Her legacy continues through her six beautiful great-grandchildren: Abby, Lily, Sawyer, Wrenlee, Zeke, and Kinsley. She will also be remembered fondly by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who were fortunate enough to know her. Barb’s faithful dog, Reba, and her ever-watchful porch kitty, Toby, remain on the farm she loved so dearly—a place that will always echo with her spirit, her laughter, and her love. Barb will be remembered for her strength, her kindness, her work ethic, and her unwavering devotion to family. She lived a life full of love and purpose, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

Honorary pallbearers will be Michael Bennett, Tony Bennett, Lance Sisco, Nicholas Chermack, Zane Potter, Chad Shepherd and The Marland Fire Department.