Obituary of Tammy Banwart

Tammy R. Banwart, age 51 of Homestead, died Saturday, May 27, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer.

A gathering time for family and friends to remember and support one another will be held from 4 to 7 pm Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at St. Mary’s Auditorium at (133 E. Main Street) in Oxford.  To share a thought, memory or condolence, please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website @ www.gayandciha.com. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for her children.

Tammy Renee Stratton was born July 16, 1971 in Iowa City, the daughter of David and Deborah (Madden) Stratton.  She attended Clear Creek schools graduating with the class of 1989.  On August 28, 1999, she married the man who was true to his vows, in sickness and in health; Roger P. Banwart.  Tammy and Roger have 3 children and 10 nieces and nephews who were Tammy’s focus as family was most important to her.

Tammy worked for 26 years in the dietary department at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. She had the most beautiful soul and cared about everyone. She enjoyed the simple things in life, her beautiful flowers, walking around state parks and any family get together.  She was also an avid shopper and enjoyed going to casinos. With the help of other family, her brother Travis and her were able to visit all 23 casinos in the state of Iowa between June and October of 2022 after she had turned down anymore cancer treatments. 

Nothing was more important to Tammy than her family and friends.  She never missed any of her kids’ activities and made as many of her nieces and nephews activities as she possibly could. A group of 11 friends from Clear Creek have stayed tight throughout the years and congregate multiple times per year.  Those ladies were a godsend for the family throughout her battle with cancer.

Tammy is survived by her husband, Roger, their children, Lydia, Noah and  Abraham; her mother, Deborah Stratton; brothers and their wives, Travis & Suzy Stratton from Tiffin, and Josh & Michelle Stratton from Homestead; nieces and nephews, Cade, Karsyn, Kaylee, Kennedy, Olivia, Ayden, Bowen and Sophia Stratton.  She was preceded in death by her father, David Stratton, three uncles and her grandparents.

“A headstone will be placed in the Oxford cemetery where Tammy and Roger’s ashes will be buried when he passes.  In lieu of a traditional funeral we will have a celebration of life on Tammy’s birthday, July 16.  Details to come later.”