Barbara Evelyn Tarkington Stroh

Barbara Evelyn Tarkington Stroh, 86, of Almyra, on October 12, 1935, near Almyra to James and Ruth Taggart Tarkington. Barbara was a graduate of Stuttgart High School, class of 1953. She furthered her education at Texas Christian University where she was a Chi Omega graduating Cum Laude in three-and-a-half years with a degree in elementary education. Teaching was her passion, she taught 1st grade for 35 years, her students were treated as if they were her own. Barbara was a loving wife to her husband Glenn Dale of 65 years. They raised two children together Steven and Steffany. She treasured her family just as her family treasured her. She will always be remembered for her thoughtfulness, kind gestures and gifts from the heart. Though she passed away only a mile from where she was born, she enjoyed the adventure of many travels. From Key West, Florida to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska and many places in between. She and her husband took several cruises and memorable trips to Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand. Barbara loved being on the water, many weekends were spent on Greers Ferry Lake with family and friends. Barbara was multi-talented and had many hobbies, interests and collections. She was a skilled card player, especially bridge and pitch. She enjoyed being in the kitchen, if she wasn't cooking for her family, she was baking her famous bread to share with friends. She was an avid reader and shared her favorite books with loved ones to enjoy as well. She cherished all printed text which brought her great comfort and felt it was a sin to throw away. She had an appreciation for the arts, music and theater both on stage and off she was particularly fond of and performed with the Back Porch Players. Until her health interfered, she was an active member of the First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir. Barbara had a great love for all things beautiful especially butterflies, most of her possessions were marked with a butterfly. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Ruth Tarkington. Barbara is survived by her husband, Glenn Dale Stroh; her children, Steven Stroh and his wife Suzanne, and Steffany Shelton; three grandchildren, Olivia Noble and her husband, Justin, Kelly Stroh, and Blake Bisbee and his wife Lauren; Four great-grandchildren Kenley and Sevi Glenn Noble, Sterling and Britton Rose Bisbee; and her brother, John Ed Tarkington and his wife, Beverly. In lieu of Flowers please make memorials to any foundation or charity of your choice. A memorial service will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at First United Methodist Church in DeWitt. A celebration of life reception will follow the service. Cremation arrangements by Essex Funeral Home. www.essexfuneralhome.com