Our beautiful angel here on earth, Tara Nicole Neal, left us to be an angel in heaven on May 23rd, 2020. Tara was born on August 19, 1995, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was truly the light and center of our lives. Beautiful inside and out, she always tried to help others. Those who were struggling with illness looked to her for support and advice. Having been hospitalized several times recently, she hoped to use her college nutrition education to help in a hospital setting.
Tara was an adventurous spirit. She enjoyed life, and was always looking for fun. She loved to go to the beach, find a secluded swimming hole in the mountains, hike, and attend family vacations in Florida or northern Arizona. She loved Halloween and St. Patricks Day, cooking, country music, and, of course, shopping. She had a quick, beautiful smile and was always ready with a spunky reply. She had a wonderful sense of humor, and lit up a room wherever she went. No matter how badly you might feel, she would cheer you up.
Competitive gymnastics and dance were Tara’s life, creating many memories and cherished friendships. She danced her way through high school, and was a proud member of the Mountain Pointe High School Senior Dance Company and Urban Dance team. Swim team and soccer were her other passions. Although she never took lessons, she was an amazing, natural swimmer, and could compete effortlessly with the best.
Animals owned Tara’s heart. Her beloved rescued maltipoo, Annie, is lost without her. She loved having a furry companion to snuggle with and to comfort her when she was down or sick. She was passionate about the rights of animals to have a home, food and love. She also thought of a career in Animal Nutrition.
Her mother and she were members of the Santan Division of the National Charity League for many years. Tara devoted many hours volunteering with a number of charities, including Food Bank and Relay for Life. She quickly learned the warmth and love that comes from helping others, and made many cherished, lifelong friendships.
Tara was a member of the Arizona Community Church from age 2. She attended Sunday School there for many years with her brother and, later, joined her parents and brother in worship services. She attended Halloween events, Easter egg hunts, picnics, and Christmas events at the church. She loved to join her Mom and Dad listening to her brother, Tim, play drums in the worship orchestra every Sunday and on special occasions.
After high school graduation, she attended the University of Arizona, majoring in Nutrition and Animal Sciences. She joined Alpha Chi Omega, where many more friendships blossomed.
Tara was a talented writer, artist, crafter, and planner. She was always ready to plan the next social event, and always decorated for holidays. She was quick with creative ideas, and was a perfectionist in whatever she set out to do. Her room smelled of candles and essential oils.
She has taken with her the hearts of her mother, Marsha Ellen Neal, her father, Michael Ray Neal, and her brother, Timothy Adam Neal. Other survivors include her Grandma Mary Lou Neal, Uncle Steve Neal, Uncle David Neal, Aunt Barb and Uncle Dale Ingram, Grandma Bettilee Perkins, and Godmother Melinda Clausen. She also leaves behind many cousins and extended family. She is preceded in death by her Grandpa Lehman Neal, Grandma Louise Willis, Grandpa Walter Willis, Aunt Sharon Neal, and Grandpa Guy Perkins.
She was blessed to have many, many close friends, teachers, family friends, and fellow athletes who are mourning her loss.
Words are not adequate to describe the depth of our loss. Heaven has, indeed, gained an angel, and we have lost our beautiful soul. Rest easy, our beautiful Tara.
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