Walton - WALTON - Tarra L. Barnhart was beautiful, smart, opinionated, intensely loyal and stubborn. She passed away on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024, from complications caused by the flu.

She was born on Oct. 1, 1973, to Steve and Gaye (Finch) Houck.

After graduating from Walton Central School, she received her master's degree in general science, and biology from SUNY Oneonta.

She taught at Bainbridge-Guilford Central School and was most recently teaching at DCMO BOCES at the Harold 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, and ducks wrapped in fishing line, and watching turtle's hatch.

She enjoyed going out on the pond and fishing with Eli. She had the knack of catching the big ones.

Tarra was devoted to her son, Dustin, and 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; sister, Melissa and nephew, Eli Houck; her beloved and devoted Chihuahua "Gino;" and parents, Stephen and Gaye Houck.

She was predeceased by her grandparents, Virgil and Willa Houck, and Fowler and Mary Finch.

Calling hours will be from 1 to 3 p.m., Sunday Feb. 4, at Courtney Funeral Home.

Burial will be in the spring in Highland Cemetery in Sidney Center.

Arrangements are with Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St., Walton.

Expressions of sympathy may be made online at www.courtneyfh.com.