Services for Lori Lynn Tarwater, 53, Wellsville, will be 2 pm, January 5, 2014, at the Senior Citizens Center in Wellsville, Kansas.
Mrs. Tarwater died Friday, December 13, 2013, at Olathe Medical Center.
She was born July 23, 1960, in Kansas City, Kansas, to James Oliver and Hazel Benskin Tarwater. She graduated from Washington High school in Kansas City, KS, and then William Jewell College with a master’s degree.
Mrs. Tarwater worked as an Initial Occupancy Specialist specializing in general housing assistance at the Lawrence Housing Authority. She also worked with the homeless and many charity organizations.
She and husband Robert Ward Joy have been together for over 22 years. He survives of the home.
Other survivors include a son, John Joy of Wellsville, KS; daughter, Emma Joy of Wellsville, KS; sisters, Hazel Davis of Lawrence, KS, Judy Degenstein of Columbia, MO, Susan Woods of Wellsville, KS, and Nancy Freeman of Wellsville, KS; nieces and nephews; great nieces and great nephews.
Her mother, father, and a brother, James Tarwater preceded her in death.
The family suggests memorials to the Wellsville Library, 707 E. 7th St., Wellsville, KS 66092.
Sending Prayers and Love from my family! I met Lori when I first applied for housing and from that day on I remember how she always treated me with kindness and respect. She will be missed. I remember her on her walks around Edgewood on her breaks. She always stopped to talk. The housing authority lost a wonderful employee.
As landlords we worked with Lori to house tenants. Lori was always professional with both the landlords and tenants. Always nice to work with. We just found out today and want to extend our deepest sympathies to Lori’s family.
Emma, John, and Bob,
Your Momma was a larger than life person. Her heart loved you three DEEPLY. To leave you now is to leave you strong, and ready to meet the world with her same vigorous love.
What she offered of herself to our community will remain forever unmatched. And we thank You for sharing your Momma with us.
Jan Pool
Lawrence
My deepest sympathies to the family, friends & co-workers of Lori, I was shocked to hear this. I never personally met Lori, only phone conversations, but I will truly miss our interactions. Love and prayers to all.
LORI WILL BE TRUELY MISSED. HEAVEN COULDNT WAIT ANY LONGER FOR LORI. OUR CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO THE FAMILY !
I worked with Lori for more than 15 years. First, when I worked at HUD and then, when I had my housing management company. I am sure she must have down times but I will always remember her smiling. She worked tirelessly for both the landlords and the tenants. If something was humanly possible she would try to do it for us. Most important to me, was the fact that could always expect an honest answer from her. Without a doubt, she will be missed.
I just heard about Lori, I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I am thinking and praying for her family. I think she was one of a kind. May she rest in peace.
Emma and family, I am so deeply sorry. Richard just told me and I sat here and cried. My prayers and thoughts are with each and everyone of you. Emma, you can stop by anytime and talk or if you just need a hug. Love You
My deepest Sympathy goes out to Lori family and friens she will be truely missed i was once on housing and she did all she could to help and did not make you feel ashamed for needing any assistance i am no longer recieving assistance from section 8 but i know for the folks who are they will miss her hard work and dedication she showed to all…God has called home another angel rest in piece
All of of us on housing assistance are going to be so lost with out her. 🙁
Mommy was the best mom in the world. She always put her kids first and loved me and my brother with all her heart. She was so generous and kind-hearted. My heart broke into a million pieces when she left us. There will never be a day that I won’t remember her or want her here with me. She meant the world to me and I wish that I could have just one more day with her. I love you mama.
so sorry my prayers are with the family
What a shock. Lori took care if everything. So sorry for the family and LDCHA staff and clients.
I knew Lori in my capacity as a Section VIII housing provider. Lori professional discernment and ability, at the time of helping hundreds of others secure and maintain their housing, is remembered and appreciated. Lori’s expert understanding of the public housing system as that system interfaced with humans was her gift to all of us. I miss Lori.
HOW SAD WHAT A LOSS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES