Tarra L. Barnhart was beautiful, smart, opinionated, intensely loyal and stubborn. She passed away on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024, due to complications of the flu.
She was born on Oct. 1, 1973, to Steve and Gaye (Finch) Houck. She graduated from Walton Central School, and received her master’s degree in general science and biology from the University of the State of New York at Oneonta. She taught school at Bainbridge Guilford and was currently teaching at DCMO BOCES at the Harrold Campus. She loved to teach her students to question and wonder why.
Tarra loved working in her gardens and watching nature do its thing, spending time with family and friends at the Ponderosa on Masonville Pond, lounging and floating, rescuing orphaned raccoons, ducks wrapped in fishing line, and watching turtles hatch.
She enjoyed going out on the pond to fish with Eli. She had a knack for catching the big ones.
Tarra was devoted to her son Dustin and her nephew Eli. They meant the world to her. She had the biggest heart and would help anybody in need.
She is survived by her son Dustin L. Barnhart, her sister Melissa and nephew Eli Houck, her beloved and devoted Chihuahua “Gino,” and her parents Stephen and Gaye Houck.
She is predeceased by her grandparents Virgil and Willa Houck, and Fowler and Mary Finch.
Calling hours will be held Sunday, Feb. 4, at the Courtney Funeral Home, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Burial will be held in the spring at the Highland Cemetery in Sidney Center.
Arrangements are with Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend Street, Walton. Expressions of sympathy may be made online at www.courtneyfh.com
