MADISON, Wis. -- The Dane County Sheriff's Department and family members are asking for help locating a missing DeForest woman.

Francine Tate, 50, hasn't been seen or heard from since around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday when she was in Madison, WISC-TV reported.

Tate has brown eyes and brown hair, is 5 feet 4 inches and weighs about 110 pounds, authorities said. She drives a burgundy 1997 Toyota Corolla.

Authorities said they do not suspect foul play but they said that her absence is uncharacteristic.

Tate's family said that she has never been out of contact for any length of time, especially with so many family members in the area.

Family and friends on Thursday joined the Dane County Sheriff's Department in a search of Token Creek Park just south of DeForest. A tip brought the search there, and authorities said Tate might have been headed to the park she frequented often after she left an East Side church.

"Francine is a kind, gentle soul. She'd give you the shirt off her back. She spends time volunteering," said Dee Thompson, Tate's brother-in-law.

Authorities said Tate was last seen wearing a collarless light-colored shirt and dark shorts.

Authorities said that anyone with information is encouraged to call the Dane County tip line at 608-284-6900 or the Dane County Communications Center at 608-255-2345.

Authorities said people can visit the Web site FrancineTate.com to find information or a printable flier to distribute in their own communities.