Obituary for TAMRA MASON

Tamra Lynn Mason, age 58, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 24, 2020 with her husband and daughter by her side at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. She died from complications of liver disease while waiting for a transplant.

Tammy was born to Phillip and Carol (Johnston) Watters in Des Moines, Iowa. Her Dad had always wanted a daughter named Tammy after the Debbie Reynolds character in the 1957 movie “Tammy and the Bachelor”. He got his wish on September 15, 1961! She attended Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa. On October 10, 1992, Tammy was united in marriage to Gary Dean Mason. Ironically, Gary was the “ultimate bachelor”, waiting 16 years to find the love of his life. Gary brought his daughter, Lindsey Mason, to their new family and Tammy loved her as her own. Gary and Tammy welcomed Erin Lynn Mason on August 12, 1994. Tammy’s proudest moment was having Erin!

Tammy worked for All State Industries and the State of Iowa until 2013. Beyond family, Tammy was a beloved friend to many. Flamboyant and fun, she was always the life of the party! Tammy was witty: she had the best sense of humor. She loved to make others laugh, but would easily laugh at herself, too. She’d say, “I crack me up!” with a silly giggle! Her delicious family recipes served at holidays will be remembered, she loved to cook. Prairie Meadows will also notice her absence.

Family and friends often turned to Tammy for advice. She was a gracious listener. Her solid common sense offered wisdom and comfort. At the same time, Tammy was known for calling out the truth. She could be bull-headed, stubborn, and ornery, too. She had a way with young children and loved all animals. Fiercely protective and loyal to family, she was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Tammy is survived by her husband, Gary Mason, of Des Moines, Iowa; her daughters, Lindsey Mason of Ogden, Utah and Erin Mason of West Des Moines, Iowa; her sister, Trisha (Vince) Scavo of Des Moines, Iowa, and her brother, Michael (Lisa) Watters of Waukee, Iowa; her granddaughters; Elizabeth, Rebecca, and Alyssa; her nieces and nephews; Mikayla, Vince, Michael, Joseph, Lucy, and Luie. Many cousins, aunts, uncles, dear friends, and her dog Sandy are also left to mourn. She was preceded in death by her parents, Phil and Carol Watters; her infant brothers Trent and Troy.

Funeral services will be scheduled at a later date due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Tammy wanted “a party, with lots of flowers, and lots of pictures of me!” instead of a somber event to celebrate her life. She wanted family and friends to be laughing in their memories of her, not crying. Tammy will be laid to rest in Highland Memory Gardens in Des Moines, Iowa.