Tarina Stetler

Tarina Lanette Stetler was born April 4, 1970, in Van Wert, Indiana, the daughter of Orville & Patricia Stetler. On July 14th, 1977, at age 7, Tarina was among the first 10 individuals to move into Pony Bird after its opening. Tarina was a member of the Pony Bird family for 46 years. In 1981, Rosie Swanson began working at Pony Bird. During Rosie's employment, she and Tarina became very close friends. Tarina also developed friendships with Rosie's 6 daughters and was active in their family life growing up. After Rosie retired, she remained an active part of Tarina's life. In 2018 Rosie passed away but Tarina's Pony Bird family supported her emotionally during this great loss. Linda Dallas and Betty McKim took over for Rosie, always watching over Tarina's care and being her special friends.

Tarina was a beautiful, smart, and determined young woman! She had many things she liked - concerts, movies (Dirty Dancing, Mama Mia, and Grease), shopping for her own clothes, especially pretty lingerie. She LOVED music - especially heavy metal, listening to the radio, and playing the keyboard. And she definitely knew what she didn't like - being in pain, country music, not being in control of the radio, and not being the center of attention.

Tarina will be reunited in Heaven with her favorite Pony Bird caregiver and lifelong friend Rosie Swanson. Tarina was a friend to many. She will be lovingly remembered and missed especially by Rosie's daughters (Debbie, Cindy, Lynne, Linda, Pam, Janet) and their families. Tarina's dear friends Linda Dallas and Betty McKim, and her entire Pony Bird family, will always cherish her memory. She holds a special place as the last of the first 10 individuals to call Pony Bird home.