Shirley Tarter, wife, sister, mom, grandma, and great-grandma, passed away on June 6, 2012. She was born on February 15, 1928 in Hibbing, Minnesota to John and Mae Westman. After moving with her mother and family to California, they settled in Morgan Hill where she attended Live Oak High School, graduating in 1946. She married the love of her life, George "Bud" Tarter on July 12, 1947. They made their home in San Jose, Ca where they raised two children.
Shirley was a devoted wife and mother. She enjoyed being a homemaker and made her home a welcoming place for anyone who came to visit. She was an excellent baker and cook, making special meals for loved ones and hosting big gatherings for close and extended family. Shirley also played an integral part in helping to support the family-owned business for over 40 years.
In 1992, Shirley and Bud moved to Lodi, Ca near her daughter and her family. She developed close relationships with neighbors and friends. She was an avid reader, well read and educated about religion, world affairs and enjoyed debating political ideas and current events with people of differing points of view. She loved having a beautiful garden, full of fruit trees and bright blossoming flowers.
In 2010, Shirley traveled to Aliso Viejo, CA for an extended stay with her son and his family. She met new friends and loved spending time with her great-grandchildren. After a short illness in early 2012, Shirley moved to a rehabilitation facility, where she surprised no one by establishing many close friendships with residents and staff. Comments from those who knew Shirley described her as always bringing a smile to the face of others, always having a kind word to share, and inspiring others to stay strong while facing their own struggles.
Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, John Westman and Mae Welsh, brother Jack Senteney, and husband George Tarter. She will be remembered with much love by her daughter and husband Donna Borgett (Bob), her son and wife Chip Tarter (Doris), grandchildren Mandy Diaz, (Josh), Josh Borgett, (Birgitt), Shelly Rosenthal, (Kyle), Jon Tarter, and great grandchildren Kylie and Henry.
Shirley joins her beloved husband in heaven, where he has been waiting for her … and how happy he must be to have her back in his arms.
Funeral services were held in southern California on June 16, 2012. A celebration of Shirley's life will be held in Lodi, Ca on July 14, 2012 for her family and friends in northern California.
Published in Lodi News-Sentinel from June 22 to June 29, 2012
