It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Wallace “Wally” Elmer Tarp, friend to hundreds, admired and respected by everyone who came in contact with him.
Wallace Tarp, 81 years old, of Grass Valley, passed away peacefully at his Ranch on Feb. 2, 2025, surrounded by family after a long battle with COPD.
Wallace’s life started on Sept. 12, 1943, to Elmer and Sylvia Tarp in Santa Clara, CA.
Wallace attended Cupertino High School until the 10th grade, he was working construction for his childhood friend/future 1st wife’s father. He and Connie Brooks married on July 31, 1961. After welcoming their first daughter, Rondha, Wallace joined the U.S. Navy for 1 year, he couldn’t stand the thought of being away from his family and returned home. Wally and Connie went on to welcome two more children, Danny and Brenda.
Wallace started what would be known as his forever career, Truck Driving at the age of 19, until months before passing.
Wallace later married Shawn Matzdorff, and welcomed his fourth child, Vesta.
Wally loved being around his family and friends more than anything, he was known for his big parties down at Wild Oaks Ranch! He loved taking his kids on camping trips, boating, hunting and fishing. He loved the fast life of dirt bike racing, Harley’s and Roadsters!
Wally is preceded in death by his father, mother, and best friend, Martin Brewer.
He is survived by his two brothers, Ronald and Bill Tarp; four children, Rondha (Sean) Sullivan, Danny Tarp, Brenda (Jimmy) Potter, and Vesta Tarp; six grandchildren, Brian Norton, Heather (Jamie) Sauceda, Kayla (Brian) Traverso, Ronnie (Eliziana) Martling, Kyleigh and Kaden Skidgel; seven great-grandchildren, Miranda Love, Mathew, Michael and Maddie Garner, Mya and Chad Traverso, Mila Martling; two great-great-grandchildren, Karlie and Waylon Love; and good friend Dan Tanner; and many other friends and family.
Services will be held May 17th, 2025, at noon at Greenwood Memorial Gardens, 10848 Rough and Ready Highway, Grass Valley, following the service a Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Nevada County Horseman’s Lodge, 10600 Bubbling Wells Road, Grass Valley. Please RSVP to Rondha Sullivan, (530) 575-8477.
In Lieu of flowers the family is asking for all donations to go to Hospice of the Foothills, they were so amazing in helping our dad pass peacefully in the comfort of his own home.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hooper & Weaver Mortuary.
