Bertie Lee Tarwater, 89, Belton, MO, died Sunday, March 4, 2018 at St. Luke's East Hospital in Lee's Summit, MO.  Graveside services were held Thursday, March 8 at Freeman Cemetery, Freeman, MO.

Bertie was born October 26, 1928 in Harrisonville, MO, the daughter of Benjamin and Velma (DeWoody) McDonald.  She married Walter Tarwater, Jr. on April 12, 1947 in Paola, KS.  Bertie had worked in the cafeteria at Belton High School and for Big Lots in Belton for 15 years.  Bertie was a Camp Fire leader and managed the kitchen at Camp Nash Boy Scout Camp for many years.

Bertie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Walter, three brothers, and one sister. She is survived by one son, Lyle Tarwater, Stover, MO; one daughter, Kathleen Hendricks, Grain Valley, MO; 6 grandchildren, Tracy, Mary, Jessica, Elizabeth, Amanda, and Elizeck; 17 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.