Barbara Ann Tarpley Orsak's Obituary
Barbara Ann Tarpley Orsak10/20/1937-11/19/2019 On Tuesday, November 19th at 2:11pm, surrounded by family, Barbara peacefully left this earth to rejoin her Heavenly Father. Barbara/Mom/Bebe lived a joyful, loving and happy life full of family, childhood/school-time friends, laughter, and her beloved Christ Lutheran Church. While her immediate family was small, her extended family was very large. This was filled with friendships she made over decades and remained precious to her to this day. Barbara loved people and embraced life as an outgoing, generous, and inclusive soul. She was the life of the party and never met a stranger. She was always there with a shoulder to cry on and to lend a hand to anyone need. She helped and touched so many lives numerous times without even knowing. Barbara Ann Tarpley was born October 20th, 1937 in San Antonio, Texas to Frank and Verna Tarpley of Gonzales, Texas. In 1952, she moved to Dallas, Texas to attended Hillcrest High School and became a part of the first class to complete all four grades and graduate. After High School, Barbara attended Texas Lutheran College (now TLU), to study Education and Theater Arts. She graduated in 1959 filled with the “Bulldog Spirit” and bled the gold and black till her last day! In 1957 she met the love of her life, Morris Orsak, which began a 62-yearlong love affair. In 1960 they married and started an amazing 59-year marriage. This loving, inseparable relationship raised three children, six grandchildren, and touched so many lives. The legacy of this relationship will live on well past their earthly existence. Barbara’s professional life began in 1959 with the DISD as a 3rd&4th grade Homeroom and Drama teacher. She made an interim stop in Pleasanton, TX and ended her teaching career in her adopted hometown of Edna, Texas. Then in 1969, she and Morris moved back to Dallas to raise their children and began her second career of service. She volunteered in education for over 18 years serving in multiple PTO, Booster Clubs, and school focus groups. Serving as a member, president, various officer positions. She also volunteered at Church on multiple committees and councils including Debra Circle and Alter Guild. All of these years of service were done with the passion, creativeness and love that was only Barbara Orsak. She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Verna Tarpley, mother-in-law Beulah Orsak, brother-in-law Richard Orsak, and Cousin Francis Muller. She is survived by her husband Morris Orsak. Also, by her children Todd and wife Laura, Amy Hanks and husband Chet, Brett and wife Chera, and her beloved grandchildren Alexis, Lake, Aubrey Orsak and Chase, Haley, and Cade Hanks. The family will be accepting guests on Sunday, November 24th from 4 to 6 pm at Restland Memorial Park. Service is Monday, November 25th at 11:00am at Christ Lutheran Church Dallas. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to be given to the Christ Lutheran Church Music Ministry. If you would like to donate flowers, The family of Barbara Orsak asks that you call Mary Gmetro with Plano Florist at 972-599-0086 or 469-853-3404. You can also access their website at www.planoflorist.com or email: admin@planoflorist.com “Therefore, you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.” John 16:22
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