Tamara Sue Harding

Tamara Sue Harding, 46, passed away peacefully June 14, 2024, at her home in Churubusco, IN. She was born in Decatur, IN, the daughter of Ricky Lynn and Nancy Lynn Gilbert of Monroeville, IN. Tamara graduated from Heritage High School in 1996, and earned her Associates from MedTech formerly of Fort Wayne, IN. She was a Certified Medical Assistant at Parkview Regional Hospital for over 10 years. Her passions included children, cooking, caring for others, gardening, and being outside.

She is survived by parents Ricky Lynn and Nancy Lynn Gilbert of Monroeville; daughter, Blair Nicole (Corey) Miller, son Anthony John (Brittney Graebner) Harding both of Fort Wayne, IN; sister, Amy (Kyle) Koch, brother, Robert (Allie) Gilbert both of Monroeville, IN; grandparents Wanda Gilbert and Carolyn Hoffman both of Monroeville; former husband and lifetime friend, Jeff Harding of Fort Wayne; unofficial adopted daughter Jennifer (Twyla) Herron both of Fort Wayne; and several beloved nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by in-laws, John and Antionette Harding of Bonita Springs, Florida; and Grandfather Irvin Hoffman and grandfather Buddy Gilbert both of Monroeville, IN.

Funeral Service will be 10 a.m. Monday June 24, 2024, at D.O. McComb and Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home 1140 Lake Ave, Fort Wayne, IN with visitation one hour prior. Visitation also from 2-4 and 6-8 pm Sunday June 23, 2024, at the funeral home. Burial at Marquardt Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Erin’s House for Grieving Children or donor’s choice. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.mccombandsons.com.

Tamara, or ‘Tammy’ to those who knew her, was an incredible woman. She was generous in all aspects of herself, always offering a helping hand to those around her in need. Tammy was beautiful and charismatic, always attracting others towards her infectious smile. Tammy worked incredibly hard for her goals, demonstrated by her graduating in the top 10 of her class at Heritage High School as well as earning her Certified Medical Assistant degree with honors at MedTech College. She loved those around her with a selfless heart. From her family to her patients, she cared deeply and wanted the best for everyone. As a healthcare worker, Tammy went above and beyond and would visit patients at the hospital outside of her office whenever they were sick. She was a great friend to those around her. Tammy enjoyed going on adventures of mushroom hunting, sunning in the driveway, and working on projects with others. She loved the outdoors and being with animals.

Tammy was raised by loving parents and siblings. As a child, Tammy had her older sister Amy to look out for her. When she was just a baby, Amy always wanted to help with Tammy. After Nancy had just gotten Tammy to sleep, if there was even the slightest noise, Amy would run in and insist that the baby was awake and needed to be cared for. As Tammy got older, Amy would follow her around. Tammy took a while to start talking because all she had to do was point at something and Amy would let everyone know what it was Tammy wanted. Then when Bob came along, Tammy and Amy would use their younger brother as both a model and a punching dummy. They would tell him do things and would get him in trouble. But growing up the three were peas in a pod, completely inseparable.

As a teenager in high school, Tammy was involved in a variety of activities. She could play the piano, and she played the saxophone for the band. She also participated in the school color guard. Tammy played sports growing up, including cross country and softball. Tammy was also active outside of her school in the community. She had her CNA license and worked at a nursing home, and she was a member of Future Farmers of America.

Tammy always wanted to have a family and be a mother. It was her greatest strength to be caring and nurturing. From her own children to anyone near, she extended her full self to welcoming them. She loved to spoil those around her, and never shied away from taking someone new into her home. Tammy loved her family dearly and raised them with confidence, devotion, and warmth. Her children would often bring friends over, and Tammy would not hesitate to extend that graciousness to them. She was ‘Mama Harding’ to all.

Tammy showed her love through cooking. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Tammy knew she was a good cook. It was her life’s mission to feed anyone within her eyesight. She never liked recipes and mostly considered them “loose guidelines” rather than rules. She loved to bake and cook. Her dishes included her famous Lasagna, pastas, salads, and always dessert. She could do anything in the kitchen, other than serve small portions.

Tammy was a stubborn woman, and that stubbornness shaped her life in a beautiful way. From going back to school to earn her degree or holding fast to her morals, she was a woman who knew what she wanted and there was no stopping her from achieving her goals. Tammy filled rooms with positive energy and light. She was always steadfast in her love of her family and friends. Her helping hand and loving heart will be missed by us all.