Tammy Lynn Matern

Tammy Lynn Matern, 66, of Bloomingdale, Michigan went to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 3, 2026, surrounded by family at her home. Her family spent her final hours singing her favorite hymns to her and reading scripture.

She was born August 21, 1960, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the daughter of Larry Barnhardt and Mary (Laubach) Barnhardt.

Tammy trusted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior as a six year old child on Christmas Day, 1966. As a teenage girl, she was convicted to dedicate her life to serve Christ while rehearsing the hymn, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” in church choir.

She met John, her husband of 44 years, in 1978, while at Hyles-Anderson College.

She was a faithful member of Anchor Baptist Church in South Haven, where she often sung during church services and taught Sunday school and Junior Church.

Tammy was a dedicated mother to her four children. She homeschooled all of her children from preschool to high school graduation. Tammy loved to teach and it meant the world to her that she was able to teach her beloved children. She also helped children who were not her own; Tammy dedicated many hours teaching and mentoring children and teenage girls in the bus ministry and her Sunday school class.

In her free time, Tammy enjoyed baking, watching her beloved Detroit Tigers, studying history, specifically anything World War II, feeding the birds, and spending time with her friends and family, especially her nine grandchildren. Tammy routinely spent her time going out of her way to help anyone in need.

Tammy will be deeply missed by all who loved her, but her love of Christ, generous heart and loving soul will always be remembered. The family takes great peace in knowing she is with her Lord and Savior.

She is survived by her loving husband, whom she married on June 19, 1982, John Matern Jr; children, Holly (Nathan) Woll, Andrew (Samantha) Matern, Katelynn (Nathanael) Huynh, and Grace (Robert) Raab; grandchildren, Finneas and Maisie Woll, Emily, Adam, and Abigail Huynh, Isaac, Amelia, Hope, and Vincent Raab; her parents, Larry and Mary Barnhardt; and brothers, Daniel (Barbara) Barnhardt and Thomas Barnhardt.

Tammy was preceded in passing by her sister, Larridee Grace Barnhardt in November, 1966.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church, 71925 M-43 Highway, South Haven, MI 49090. A funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Kim Meyering officiating. Tammy will be laid to rest at Robinson Cemetery in Gobles immediately following.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Final Frontiers Foundation, P.O. Box #358, Grovetown, GA 30813.