Tamara M. "Tami" Spahr Bartley, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, July 15, 2026. She was born November 20, 1971, the daughter of William D. and Jerra J. (Wilson) Spahr, both deceased.

Tami graduated from Xenia High School, Class of 1990 and went on to obtain her Bachelor of Elementary Education from Wright State University. She has been an elementary teacher for over 30 years with Fairborn Primary School. She had a special passion for making children feel seen, encouraged and made sure they were given the opportunity to succeed. She was a devoted advocate for children's literacy, recognizing how reading could open doors and build confidence. She loved her co-workers, and was a trusted mentor for numerous young teachers, generously sharing her experiences and encouragement to shape them into successful educators.

Tami was a lifelong Xenia girl. She loved the Xenia community and poured her heart into enriching the lives of countless youths through her unwavering commitment to the Xenia Bucs Football and Lacrosse programs. She was the President of the Touchdown Club for many years, and a member of the 11th Man Club (Lacrosse). She was the epitome of the "Football Mom" feeding the players, encouraging them and advocating for them to be successful on and off the field. She was a supportive coach's wife as well, heading up fundraisers and helping where ever needed. She loved her "boys", biological or not. Tami was also a member of the Xenia Hall of Honor and faithfully served as a Xenia Community School Board Member. Tami recently bravely fought a cancer diagnosis with courage and determination to proudly become a cancer survivor.  Her resilience was an inspiration and testament to how she lived her life facing challenges with perseverance and unwavering strength. Her influence extends beyond the classroom and the field, leaving a lasting legacy in the community she dearly loved.

She is survived by her life's proudest accomplishments, husband, Matt, whom she married July 10, 1999 and her sons: Peyton (Megan Howard) and Paxton. Also surviving are her sister: Robin (Tim) Gregory and numerous nieces and nephews. She leaves behind a large group of friends, whom she was extremely loyal.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Tami's memory to the 11th Man Club c/o Greene Giving.

To honor Tami's love of the Buccaneers, the family requests that those attending wear Blue and White or dress in business casual because she wasn't a fancy lady. Celebration of her life will begin at 1 PM Friday, July 24th at Lighthouse Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 10:30 AM Friday at the church. Burial to follow in Woodland Cemetery, Xenia.