Tamara Lynn Boatz

Tammy was born on April 30, 1964 in Fargo, ND. The youngest of seven children and daughter of Agnes and Arlow Dahl, she grew up on a farm and attended school in the area. Tammy met Jerry in 1988. The story goes that Jerry saw Tammy in church one Sunday morning and he made a plan to meet that girl! Each Sunday after that, he moved up another pew until he was sitting right behind her. Catholics shake hands during Mass to give the 'Sign of Peace' and Jerry's plan was set - he knew he had met the girl he was going to marry! Tammy became the love of his life and the feeling was mutual. Their love story began and they were united in marriage on May 19, 1990 in Fargo, ND. After living in Salt Lake City for one year, they settled in California City, CA.

They were blessed with three beautiful daughters, Laura 18, Catherine 14, and Jaclyn 10. Tammy was very active in their school activities, working as an aide in the classroom and volunteering in the school office. She was also the bookkeeper at their church, in addition to volunteering for extra duties such as Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, church decoration and altar server scheduling. She also was an active member of the Catholic chapel on Edwards Air Force Base, volunteering as an 8th-grade CCD teacher.

In December 2011, Tammy was diagnosed with breast cancer. She bravely fought the disease and was on the path to becoming a breast cancer survivor. She told her family that this was in the hands of a higher power and that 'everything will be all right'. In March of 2014, symptoms returned and tests revealed the cancer had re-appeared as spots on her brain. Again, she went through treatment and received good news at follow-up appointments. In late 2016, Tammy began to experience problems with her eyesight and balance. Tests showed the brain cancer had returned. She was treated aggressively, but unfortunately, there were too many complications and treatment had to be stopped. Tammy wanted to be at home with her family and Hospice was called in to take over her care. Through this entire journey, Tammy's faith never faltered, in fact it grew stronger. From her first diagnosis to her journey's end, prayer chains and prayer warriors were contacted by her extended family throughout the United States. Daily rosaries were being prayed for Tammy and we know she felt God's love - she told us many times 'God is good!'. However, none of us know His plan for us, and when her time of death had come, He took her hand and led her home.

Tammy is survived by her husband Jerry; daughters Laura, Catherine, and Jaclyn, all at home; four sisters, Arla (Fred) Hummel of Hugo, MN; Sharon Early of New Market, MD; Janis (Dennis) Thompson of Fargo, ND; Eileen Buringrud of Gardner, ND; two brothers, Kenneth (Kathy) Dahl of West Fargo, ND; Doug Dahl (Jocee Vareberg) of Fargo, ND; and many nieces and nephews.

Tammy was preceded in death by her parents, Agnes and Arlow Dahl, and brother-in-law Michael Buringrud.

The family would like to thank their family members and the many, many friends who helped in countless ways. The constant prayers, meals provided, carpooling to/from school, running of errands, emotional support, etc., are deeply appreciated.

Tammy was a gentle soul and her generous spirit touched all that knew her.

Tammy and Jerry's love story truly was

'Two lives. Two Hearts Joined Together in Friendship. United Forever in Love'