Betty M. Tarr, 88, Rt. 957, Russell, Pa., passed away on June 3, 2012 at UPMC Hamot Medical Center, Erie, PA following complications from a stroke suffered on May 11.


Betty was born September 2, 1923, in Russell, Pa., the daughter of the late Howard and Agnes Mason.   Betty lived in Erie, Pa. during her school years, graduating from East High School in 1941.  She danced in Erie and Buffalo before and during World War II.  She married Joseph A. Tarr, Jr. on October 17, 1945, and moved from Erie back to Russell in 1956.  She was a member of the Russell United Methodist Church, where she was baptized in 1924.  In recent years she was a member of the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club.  Her life was filled with a variety of activities including the Russell Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary, the Well Baby Clinic, and was a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader. She was a longtime member of the Circle Eight Square Dance Club and with her husband taught Western Round Dancing and Ballroom dancing in Pennsylvania, New York and Canada.  Betty was an excellent seamstress and many extended family members can recall her generous gifts.  She enjoyed many hobbies such as bowling, fishing, and especially golf.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Joseph A. Tarr, Jr.; son, Patrick H. Tarr and his wife Susan, Arlington, VA and their children, Aaron Tarr and his wife Rachel, Annandale, VA, and Allison Tarr, Denham, Mass; her daughter, Debbie Darigan and her husband Bob, Charleston, RI and their daughter Amber, CT; two nieces, Diana Brady, Erie, Pa. and Sandra Hedges, Wesleyville, Pa.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Donna Mae Swenson.

Betty will be sadly missed by her family and all who knew her.  The family wishes to make special acknowledgement to the love and support of Jackie Tarr and Katie.


Friends will be received at the Peterson - Blick Funeral Home, Inc., 1003 Penn Ave., E., Warren, on Wednesday, June 6, 2012, from 5 to 8 p.m.  A funeral service will be held at the Russell United Methodist Church, Main Street, Russell, Pa. on Thursday, June 7, 2012 at 11 a.m., with Rev. Allan Jones, pastor, Cable Hollow Community Church, officiating.


Burial will be in the Pine Grove Cemetery.


In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association, 300 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 602, Pittsburgh, PA 15235 or to the Russell United Methodist Church Building Fund, Main Street, Russell, PA 16345.