Barbara Helen Tarwater

Barbara Helen Plattenberger Tarwater, 60, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Martelle, died due to a recurrence of breast cancer, Sunday, September 26, 2009 in Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids. Celebration of Life Services, will be at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, October 1, 2009, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Cedar Rapids. Friends may call Wednesday, from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m., at the church. Private family burial will be in Mount Vernon Memorial Cemetery. Barbara is survived by her parents, Robert and Roberta Wilson Plattenberger, Martelle, her children, son Kevin (Kathy) Mahraun, and their son Kameron, Massachusetts, and daughter Janine Mahraun, Maryland; three sisters, Margaret Sadeghpour-Kramer (Monte Kramer), Mount Vernon, Marilyn (Jared) Bauch, Traer, and Dr. Robin Plattenberger (Richard Gilmore), Washington, Iowa. Barbara is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and many loving friends. Barbara was born February 8, 1949 in Cedar Rapids. She graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1967. Barbara graduated from University of Northern Iowa, BA, and from the University of Iowa, MA, in Library Science. Barb was a stay at home mother. Barbara shaped lives of students for the last 24-years as the Library Media Specialist at Marion High School. She provided books for children, and tutored people of all ages. Barbara championed the rights of everyone working tirelessly for many good causes and will be remembered for her generous advocacy for others. She was a dedicated and loving mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend. In lieu of plants and flowers, the family will direct memorials in support of Barbara's passions for service to others. Cards and condolences may be sent in care of P.O. Box 11, Martelle, Iowa, 52305