Donna Tarr

Donna Jean Rudluff Tarr, 80, died Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022. A loving mother of three children, she was faithful and dedicated to her children to the very end.

Donna was born in Southern Illinois in September 1942, according to her birth certificate. But her dad always told her that was not correct, that she was born a year later. She always reminded family members of that when her birthday came around. So maybe she was 79 — only the Lord knows for sure.

When people asked her about her big 80th birthday, she would say jokingly, "That's expired." She also called herself "The Warden," due to always being the main person family members and others came to when they had major decisions, questions or family matters.

Donna married John Tarr of Cape Girardeau in 1962. They went on to have three children, who had seven grandchildren, who had 10 great-grandchildren. She loved all her children very much, and was always concerned about the well-being of others. During the last 24 years, she has dedicated the vast majority of her time to her youngest daughter, who has multiple sclerosis and has been under Donna's everyday care up until just a week ago, when she could no longer bear the load. Her family stands in awe of her love!

Donna came from a large family of nine brothers and sisters, all of whom preceded her in death with the exception of one brother affectionately called "Uncle Hooter."

Survivors include her three children, Paul Tarr of Shreveport, Louisiana, Tiffany St. Cin of Jackson and Kabrea Tarr of Cape Girardeau; brother, Hubert Rudluff of McClure, Illinois; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Tarr; grandson, Nathan Tarr; her parents, Leo and Hazel Rudluff; and seven siblings.

Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Cape County Memorial Park Cremation Garden.

Arrangements are by Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.