Tammy Ellen Youde-Jones Obituary (1963 - 2023)

Tammy Ellen Youde-Jones, of Batavia, IA, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2023, at the age of 60, with her family by her side. A time to remember and celebrate Tammy will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 17, 2023, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield, IA with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in Tammy's honor may be directed to the family and will be used to support organizations where she devoted her time and talents. Memorials may be left at the funeral home or mailed to 11328 Keystone Ave., Birmingham, IA 52535. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com. She was born on July 2, 1963, in Cherokee, IA to Jerry and Joleen Bruce. She graduated from Aurelia High School and went on to receive her Associate's Degree from Western Iowa Tech in Sioux City, IA. She raised her family in Storm Lake, IA where she spent many days and nights attending sporting events and was active in community events like Balloon Days. When she found free time, Tammy could often be found at the lake riding jet skis, boating, soaking up the sun, camping and trail riding with friends. In Storm Lake, she began her 30+ year career in the radio industry, leaving a lasting impact on many of her colleagues. In 2007, her career brought her to Southeast Iowa where she quickly became a center of influence in her community. She spent countless hours supporting community organizations like Rotary, Artwalk, RAGBRAI planning committees, FairFest, Power Wagon, the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center, Chamber Ambassadors and more. In recent years, she devoted her time to officer roles with the Elks Lodge No. 1192 and the Greater Jefferson County Fair Board. At the Elks lodge, she served as Chaplain, Trustee, Secretary and was a member of several committees. She made a lasting impact on the Greater Jefferson County Fair Board serving as their Treasurer. She held a strong commitment to serving others and her community. She was an animal lover and enjoyed caring for her horses, chickens, ducks, goats, cats and dogs. Rona, her beloved chi-weenie, never left her side and accompanied her everywhere. She will be remembered as a loving mother, Memaw, cherished friend and community leader. Tammy is survived by two children, Tyler (Chaella) Youde of Omaha, NE and Morae (Karl) Metcalf of Birmingham, IA; four step-children, Nikki (Mike) Woods of Sioux City, IA; Matthew Jones, of Milford, IA; Amanda (BJ) Chavez of Sioux City, IA: and Drew (Karina) Jones of Alta, IA; grandchildren: Nolan, Landon, Sebastian, Michael, Madison, Raul and Isari; brothers Deloy (Wendy) Bruce, Darin (Angie) Bruce and sister, Tricia (Rusty) Tracy; numerous nieces, nephews and too many friends to count. Tammy was preceded in death by her parents, Jerry and Joleen Bruce, and niece Lindsey Reicks.