Barbara Hardy Tatman

3/16/1940 – 1/31/2015

Tatman2Barbara Nell Hardy was born in Flora, Illinois, to Herman and Marion Hardy in the spring of 1940. She spent her childhood in Flora, growing up alongside her sister Helen. She was quite a tomboy, often spending hours outside playing softball with neighborhood kids. She spent a lot of time with her father who lovingly called her “Bobbie.” She and her family were very active in First Christian Church of Flora. Barbara enjoyed school, especially her English and business classes, and she worked on the high school annual, The Harstan. Throughout her childhood, Barbara played the piano and enjoyed cheerleading, as well as lifeguarding during the summers. She met the love of her life, David Tatman, in first grade. On their first date in third grade, they went to a cowboy movie together and enjoyed popcorn in the balcony. They attended many school dances together, and ultimately became serious while both were attending the University of Illinois. Barbara and David were engaged on December 24, 1960 and married on September 9, 1961.Tatman3

While attending U of I, Barbara worked for the engineering department. With her top security clearance, she typed theses and confidential manuscripts. She had her first son, Paul, in Champaign, Illinois in 1962, on her first wedding anniversary. After David’s graduation from U of I, Barbara and David moved to Ohio for David’s continuing education at graduate school in 1962. It was his first assignment for the US Air Force. David’s work required many moves and assignments. While stationed at Edwards Air Force Base in California, her first daughter Carrie was born in 1965. Mark was born at Mather Air Force Base in California in 1967, and Emily was born at Otis Air Force Base in Massachusetts in 1970. Barbara Tatman1particularly enjoyed living in Germany, where she was able to visit many European countries.

Barbara loved spending time with her family. While she was a stay-at-home mother, she volunteered at many school and church functions. She was very talented at sewing, making children’s clothes, quilts, blankets and drapes. She especially loved to read and cook, and family dinners were a joy. During these dinners, much of her nurturing, guidance and teaching occurred, and there was much laughter around the Tatman dinner table. After dinner, hours of games ensued. Barbara was very adept at winning any kind of game – Rummy, Scrabble, Mah Jongg. Barbara also enjoyed puzzles and was very good at Sudoku, only doing the hard or extremely hard puzzles. She was very fond of dogs and had a “Snoopy” beagle named Mandy. Because she enjoyed Snoopy from the cartoon strip Peanuts, she would receive a Tatman5Peanuts-themed/Snoopy card for each of her birthdays, mother’s day, etc. She also fell in love with Corgis, and shared her life with two of them, Penny and Bailey.

As her children got older and more independent, Barbara returned to work. She began her long career at H&R Block in Kaiserslautern, Germany in 1979, and retired from the Redmond, Washington office in 2012. She enjoyed applying her business skills as a tax preparer, advisor and manager, but her favorite part was seeing her clients year Tatman4after year and following them through their own life milestones. She considered them her “other” family and maintained contact with them even after she retired.

Barbara especially delighted in being a grandmother to nine grandchildren. She was always interested in their activities and went to numerous school events, games and concerts. Christmas was a special time for her to share her blessings with her beloved children and grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by her life-long friend and husband David Tatman, son Paul and his children Sarah and Taylor, daughter Carrie Benton and husband Jeff and their children Erin and Evan, son Mark and his son Connor, Mark’s wife Angie and Tatman6their children Grace and Lucy, daughter Emily Hutchison and her husband Brian and their children Megan and Natalie, sister Helen Price and her son Craig Price.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held February 21, 2015 from 1-4 pm at the Tatman residence. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Toys for Tots or World Vision.

 

9 Responses to “Barbara Hardy Tatman”

  • Bob and Betsy Pond says:

    Dave and family: Sorry to hear of Barbara’s passing. It seems far too soon. Our best to you. You are in our hearts and prayers as you weather the storm.

    All our love, Bob and Betsy

  • Louise Mccoskey says:

    To David and family: I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother and I spent many happy times together shopping and playing bridge. She was a tower of support in 1976 when my husband was killed serving in the Air force. The world is now mourning a wonderful lady. Louise

  • Tucy & Buzz Everett says:

    We are with you in our thoughts. I loved Bobbie always. She was my companion during our childhood & young adult years. Although she & I were miles…states away, we never lost our close connection. She, her mom, Aunt Marion, & sister, Helen were as important to me as any family member I had the first half of my life. Helen & I will continue our loving times together. I love you all.

  • Sharron Holtz says:

    Barb and I spent 26 years working together at H&R Block. She was very much loved by all her clients and was very much missed when she retired. She was also very much missed by those of us that worked with her and admired her wisdom and intelligence. It has been very different in my office since she left. I have people, both clients and tax preparers ask about her all the time. She was one in a million!

  • Ruth Williams Steele says:

    To the family of Barbara: I am sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one . May the fond memories help to bring comfort and peace during this time. Barbara and I were classmates of ’58 and she was a fun person to be around. Prayers for the family.

  • Barry and Linda Davis says:

    David, you and your family are in our thoughts as you go through this trying time.

    Barry Davis, Lt. Col. USAF Ret.
    Linda Davis

  • Husband Dave says:

    I feel a warmth around me
    like your presence is so near,

    And I close my eyes to visualize
    your face when you were here,

    I treasure the times we spent together
    and they are locked inside my heart,

    For as long as I have those memories
    we will never be apart,

    Even though we cannot speak
    my voice is always there,

    For every night before I sleep
    I have you in my prayer.

    Goodbye, my love.
    Until we are together — forever

  • Marilyn Henning says:

    A thoughtful mentor and wonderful spirit, Barb was truly a “rock” in our world of taxes. I send my warm thoughts to her loving family at this sad time.

  • Tom Owens says:

    David,
    I feel your pain.
    Bless you and yours
    Tom Owens

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