Barbara Grassley is the wife of longtime U.S. Senator Charles 'Chuck' Grassley of Iowa, whom she married on August 22, 1954. Born around 1932 in rural Iowa, she grew up attending school in Fredericksburg and one-room rural schools in Chickasaw County before graduating from New Hampton High School in 1950. After high school, she worked as a secretary at the Rath Packing Company in Waterloo, Iowa. Following her marriage, Barbara dedicated much of her life to raising their five children—Lee, Wendy, Robin, Michele, and Jay—while actively helping manage the family farm, especially during periods when her husband was serving in the Iowa state legislature. She has been deeply involved in family farming, community, and church activities in Iowa, reflecting her commitment to local life and family values. In her later years, Barbara pursued higher education, completing a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Northern Iowa around age 50, likely in the early 1980s. She is a breast cancer survivor, having been diagnosed in 1987 after noticing a lump, and has since become a prominent advocate for cancer screening and early detection. Her advocacy work includes promoting regular check-ups, as highlighted in her personal story shared through organizations like the Prevent Cancer Foundation. The Grassleys marked their 70th wedding anniversary in 2024 at a favorite local spot, underscoring their enduring partnership. Residing in New Hartford, Iowa, Barbara remains a figure of quiet influence in Midwestern community circles, supporting her husband's long political career without holding public office herself.