Mary Tarter

Mary Lou Tarter, age 81, passed away Thursday, July 31, 2025. Mary was an icon and everyone’s Eastside Mama. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She touched countless lives throughout her life.

Mary was born May 26, 1944, in Des Moines to Clarence and Marian Shelton. She had a huge heart and was a caretaker to many. She worked as a homemaker, caring for her children and their families, and also in housekeeping for Altoona Manor and Ramada Inn. Mary’s outgoing personality and love of people served her well, and her customers when she worked as a bartender loved her.

Mary’s family was her greatest love and her first priority. She was a generous gift-giver and birthdays and Christmases never passed without everyone having many presents to open. She knew how to make everyone feel special and loved. She never hesitated to help out family who needed a little something extra. Mary enjoyed going to Prairie Meadows, playing the penny slots and Bingo. She was also a member of Capital Hill Christian Church.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Marian (Gene) Way, David Vestal, Clem Vestal, and Teresa (Bobby) Basham; her brother, James Shelton; twelve grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Marian Shelton; husbands, Delbert Vestal, Willard Tarter, and George Leach; son, Jeffrey “Pep” Ray Vestal; granddaughter, Haley Hols; and eleven siblings, Don, Dick, Howard, Karl, Jerry, David, Bobby, Iris, Betty, Normie, and Joy.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Burial will follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the family to assist with expenses.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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