Tamara “Tammy” Kay Garwood

 Tamara “Tammy” Kay Garwood, 64, of Grundy Center, IA passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 27, 2022, in the comfort of her own home.

Following Tammy’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. Public visitation will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 4, 2022, and a short informal service at 6:15 p.m. at the Abels Funeral Home Engelkes Chapel located at 509 4th Street, Grundy Center, IA 50638. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Tammy’s name to Dike New Hartford Music Department or any local women's shelter of your choosing. For further information or to leave an online condolence please visit www.abelsfuneralhomes.com.  Engelkes Abels Funeral Chapel is caring for Tammy and her family.

Tamara Kay Garwood was born on November 12, 1957, in Iowa, the daughter of Melvin and Marilyn (Klein) Grimm. She was raised and educated in the Dysart school district. Tammy was a very hard-working woman, first as a stay-at-home mom, then with Richelieu Foods Inc. in Grundy Center, Iowa. With the purchase of her house in 2015 her independence flourished. Her closet went from almost exclusively black and white to a colorful boho wonderland as did her courageous spirit.

She loved antiquing and spent many weekends traveling to antique shows. Real Deals in Cedar Falls also lost a great customer, as they knew her by name. She was meticulous in having her home clean and perfectly decorated (even when her cat Sophie viewed some of the decor as toys). Although fall was her favorite season, Christmas time was especially important to Tammy. For many years she and her daughter chose a name or two from the Boys and Girls Club to buy Christmas gifts for.

She was a voracious reader of romance novels and a viewer of the Hallmark Channel. Tammy was very proud of her family and loved them deeply. She would have done anything her daughters asked. Tammy actively supported the local music programs and enjoyed seeing the students grow. She brought joy to all with her soft-spoken words, infectious laugh, and extreme generosity.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Shantel (Jeff) Garland and Macy Garwood; one sister, Brenda (Jerry) Baldwin; one brother, Barry (Tara) Grimm along with several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Marilyn Grimm, and one brother, Dana Grimm.