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Tara Boyer Obituary

Boyer, Tara Marie
was escorted home to her heavenly father by angels on the afternoon of March 26, 2013. Her passing was an unexpected and devastating blow to her entire family. Tara was born on November 25, 1986 to Lawrence Boyer and Diane (Wright) Boyer at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, AZ. She was a life long resident of Phoenix. She attended Indian Bend Elementary School and graduated from Barry Goldwater High School in 2005. She had a real passion for animals and reptiles and became a volunteer at the Phoenix Herpetology Society. It was a dream fulfilled for her and she spent much of her time and energy there. She became a vegetarian because of her love for all living things. She adored her two cats, Lakota and Sammy. They will miss her terribly. She was very excited to be moving into her new apartment with her friend and roommate, Liz. She was beginning a new phase in her life. She had everything together and everything to live for. Tara is survived by her parents, Lawrence and Diane (Wright) Boyer, of Phoenix, AZ her sister, Deena Jo (Jason) Winchester, of Peoria, AZ, her grandparents, Robert and Norma Wright, Sr. of Streator, IL, Marjorie Boyer of Danville, IL, and Shirley Majors of Phoenix. She is also survived by her aunts, Dawanna (Russell) Adams of Streator, IL, Linda Boyer of Westville, IL, Laura Gilalind of Arivaca, AZ, Kathy Flanagan (Ed) of Danville, IL, her uncles, Robert (Lugene) Wright, Jr., of Phoenix AZ, Fred Boyer of Champaign, IL, her niece Gracie Jo Winchester and her nephew, Levi Brent Winchester of Peoria, AZ as well as many cousins, other family members and friends. She was an organ donor and was passionate about it. Because of her loving and giving nature other people will benefit from her passing. She was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church of Paradise Valley, 16033 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, AZ 85032. A funeral service for Tara conducted by Deacon David Parker will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at the church. Graveside rites and burial will be immediately after the service at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary 200 W. Beardsley Road, Phoenix, AZ 85027. The family requests that in lieu of flowers and other remembrances a donation be made in Tara's name to the Phoenix Herpetology Society, 20701 N. Scottsdale Rd., #107, Scottsdale, AZ 85255. Please sign the online guestbook at www.phoenixmemorialmortuary.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Mar. 31, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Tara Boyer

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Mom

March 27, 2023

Tara it´s been 10 years since you left us here on earth. Not a day goes by without my heart hurting your loss. A piece of me is missing without you. I hope you are at peace and enjoying a whole different type of joy. Love you and miss you so much it hurts. Mom

Shirley Majors

March 26, 2023

Today marks 10 years since you left us. Hard to believe that many years have passed. Still hard to believe that your passing happened as it did. It was way too soon. You had so much to give to this world, to this family. We miss you every day. We miss your smile, your laughter, your voice, the way you lit up a room when you entered it. Nothing has ever been the same since. I love you Boots. Save a place for me. Your Grams.

December 6, 2018

I should have written to heaven before like on November 26th. I am a little late but you know the old saying. We missed you at Thanksgiving and on your birthday, but then we miss you every day. You are a thousand points of light in this old world. When I listen to the tape of Frank Sinatra on my truck tape deck I think of you all the time. He was my favorite, same as yours. I love you kiddo, I love you boots.
Your old Grams.

July 26, 2018

I think about you every day just as I think of your father as well. I think I have been in denial for so long, not wanting to believe that you are both gone from this earth. You were so full of life and love and you were so loved. You still are. Gracie and Levi are growing so fast and I know that you would have loved to be here to see that. You were a wonderful aunt, a wonderful daughter, a wonderful sister, a wonderful friend and a wonderful granddaughter. I could never make an apple pie again without thinking of you. I am hooked on ranch dressing because of you! I love you kiddo, I love you boots.

GRAMS

March 27, 2017

Your Mom and I were at the cemetery on Sunday (March 26th) to put out new flowers for you and Nana. I often find myself not able to believes that you are no longer in this world. I think about you every day. I miss you always. You are in my mind and in my heart forever and ever. Grandma loves you Kiddo, Grandma loves you Boots.

GRAMS

March 26, 2017

Love and Miss You always with all my heart and soul...............................Mom

March 27, 2016

Today marked 3 years since you left us. Sometimes it seems like just yesterday and other times it seems like so very long ago. Your mother arrived at the cemetery today just after I did. We were there for awhile. I put an angel out for you and a little pink bunny for Grandma Nana. It is so fitting that you are both there together as I know you are together in God's heaven. I miss you so very much. I miss your hugs and your love. I miss your voice. I miss your zest for life. What a beautiful soul you always were. So many people love you. Love you kiddo, love you boots.

GRANDMA

December 25, 2015

Merry Christmas Baby. Miss you more and more as time goes by. You are always in my heart. Love ya Mom

March 26, 2015

Today marks 2 years since you went away. There isn't a day that I don't think about you and grieve for the loss of you. You truly lit up a room when you came into it. You never walked in, you just burst in with all your love for life and your enthusiasm about everything. What a joy you were. I don't think you ever knew how very much you were loved and still are loved. I miss you all the time. Grandma loves you kiddo, Grandma loves you Boots.

Love always, Grandma

David Majors

January 19, 2015

It's so hard to find out something like this almost 2 years after her passing. I hadn't seen Tara since she was a baby, about 25 years. I moved away from my family in Phoenix and missed out on seeing my nieces grow up, a decision I will always regret. Tara and I talked a few times over Facebook, I wish it we would have more.
Mom, Diane, Larry, Deena, I am so very sorry for your loss.
You all are always on my mind.
Love you all,
Uncle Jimmy

PS: Sis, I sent you a message on Facebook before I found out about Tara.

November 29, 2014

Your birthday came this week and I didn't write anything, but I meant to.
Your mother went out to your grave and released a balloon, put some flowers out and cleaned off your marker and Mom's. I thought of you so much when making the apple pies this year since I made none last year. I wasn't even going to make the pies but then I told your Mom and Deena I could just hear you saying, "don't be silly Grandma, make the pies". It felt so strange not sending some home to you. We missed you on your birthday and on Thanksgiving, but then again, I miss you every single day and think of you every single day. We all love you so much. We all miss you so much. Beautiful Tara.

Love, Grandma

Tara's Sanctuary at PHS

November 26, 2014

Stephanie S.

April 12, 2014

Tara, we hadn't spoken since we were in middle school. I can't remember if I friended you on Facebook or if you friended me. I only just found out that you left us and I was deeply saddened that we didn't get the chance to reconnect. I wish long life to your family and my deepest sympathies. I am so sad that your time here was cut short. I read through all the comments and you made a huge impact on everyone who met you and I can only imagine what you could have done if you had an entire lifetime. God bless you and your family.

March 26, 2014

Today marks one year since you left us. It's been a hard year. I miss the way you could come into a room and just light it up. I miss your enthusiam about everything. I miss your love for life. I miss your laugh and your smile. I think of you every single day. I pray for you every day. The Herp Society renamed the snake barn in your honor. It is now "Tara Sanctuary". I know you must be so proud and so humbly honored. You richly deserved this. So many people love you and miss you. You are always in my mind and always in my heart. Always!! I love you kiddo.

November 26, 2013

I missed you yesterday on your Birthday, November 25th as I miss you every day. We sent ballons up to heaven to mark your day. Me, your Mom, Dawn and Becky went to your grave and released them there. They seems to float upward forever. Your Mom's went the highest. So many decorations on your grave. Really looked great. I know you enjoyed it. Even though I could not see you I knew you were there. No Tara Butterfly came by, I guess its too cold right now. I know that your Mom, Dad and Deena miss you terribly and love you so much. Gracie Jo knows that you are in Heaven. You are so dear to your old grandma's heart. I grieve for you every day, I miss you every day, I love you every day and I think of you numerous times a day. I'll be the next one Tara so keep a spot open for me and give my Mom (Nana) a big hug and kiss for me.

Grandma oxoxoxoxoxoxox

November 25, 2013

November 25, 2013

November 25, 2013

November 25, 2013

November 25, 2013

November 25, 2013

November 25, 2013

Happy Birthday my sweet baby. It's hard to believe its been 8 mos since you left this earth. I miss you every moment of every day. I know that you watch over us and that you are still with us, but its hard not having you here in the physical world. My memories give me strength an your soul gives me peace. I know that when my lessons in this life have been learned and its my time to come home, you will be there to greet me. Until we meet again, remember there is no greater love on this earth than a mother for her child. I will always love with all my heart. Be happy in Gods loving light baby. Love you, Peace out, Mom

Grandma

April 15, 2013

Tara,
I have sponsored this site and therefore it will be kept open forever. When Gracie and Levi are older I wanted them to be able to come here and read all of the messages and see all of the pictures that are here. On your birhtday and other special occasions people can come and post messages, leave flowers, light candles or whatever they wish to do. Of course I will always be coming back to read about you, although everything about you is already permanently written upon my heart and in my mind as long as I live. I love you kiddo. Tell Fritz and Frank I said hello and send my love.

April 10, 2013

My Dearest friend
I am so saddened that i have to write this.You know the my heart goes out to you in the loos of you daughter. Only know my thoughts and prayers are with you. With love tu amiga Anaisabel B.Yee Tenney

April 10, 2013

My dearest friend Diane (mi amiga)
I am so saddened that i have to write this. You know the my heart goes out to you in the loss of you daughter. Only know my thoughts and prayers are with you. With love Anaisabel B.Yee Tenney

Rosa Rivas

April 8, 2013

"My Thoughts and pryers are with you and your family"

April 8, 2013

You and your family are in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. Cindi Affronti

Dawn Parker

April 7, 2013

I have tried to write in this book since it was created and every time I try I have no words. My heart breaks for my friends, this is so hard. The only thing that comforts me is the promise Our Lord has given us. He has prepared a place for us in heaven if we believe. She is in such a wonderful place doing everything she couldn't do while she was on this earth. May the Lord comfort you during this time, until we all meet again. God bless, if you need anything just call. Love you all.

Devon Morkunas

April 7, 2013

I am so saddened that I have to write on here. Let me start by saying that I wish I could share these things with you personally, but growing up with you was an adventure. I have so many wonderful memories of us coloring, swimming, playing house and tag. God placed his light in you as a young girl and I was so happy to see it shinning even brighter as we grew into adults. You were able to keep that fun loving spirit alive, when so many others haven't. Tara you were a gift and all those who have known you are forever blessed by you. We will miss you here until we meet again.

My baby girls (Tara& Deena) at Easter

April 6, 2013

Grandpa,Tara and Shane.......Road trip 2012

April 6, 2013

Jackie Guzman

April 5, 2013

Diane, My heart goes out to you in the loss of your daughter. Please know that there are many folks thinking & praying for you and your family. Big HUGS!

Isabel Samaniego

April 5, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

April 3, 2013

my dearest friend, I can not fathom the depth of sorrow your family is enduring. Only know our thoughts and prayers are with you. Diane, Tara's service was beautiful, her eulogy, photo's, and songs. Her legacy will live on with everyone her knew her. love Lynda and family

Adrianne

April 2, 2013

My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to Tara's family. May your memories make you smile and you look to God for comfort during your time of bereavement. Know that He is near to those who call upon Him. (Psalm 145:18,19)

Kathleen (Patsy) Soukup

April 2, 2013

Diane, I can't begin to fathom the depth of your loss. May you and your family find comfort in your memories and each other.

Deborah O'Hara

April 2, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May all your memories bring you comfort. My kids and your kids played together when we lived so close to each other, I remember those good times. That is how I will remember Tara! If there is anything I can do, please don't hesitate to call me! I have lost a husband and a son and knowing that I can reach out to a friend was all the comfort I needed.

April 1, 2013

Larry, Diane & Deena Jo my heart goes out to all of you. I am so very sorry for the loss of Tara. I can't even begin to express my sorrow. You all are in my prayers and I wish I had some healing words to give you I know how you feel and what you are going thru. YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS. WE LOVE YOU!!! R.I.P. TARA Aunt Laurie Ann, Shana, Grandma Marge and Aunt Linda

Connie Marijancevic

April 1, 2013

No words can express my sadness , for the family. Tara touched so many lives in her time, her legacy will live on just from those lives she touched. A wise beautiful friend once told me that it is not the years we are given but the lives we touch. Those words have never been more truthful than as I write this, for a brilliant much loved Tara, you will be missed by many but will be remembered for your kindness, love and inner strength.

Carrie Stewart Blanford

April 1, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

April 1, 2013

Ashley Halawith

April 1, 2013

Iam so sorry about my friends because I was with her in school together long time ago love her as she was my sister to me Ashley Halawith

Shane and Jeremy Winchester

April 1, 2013

I feel so bad for all of Tara's family. This is such an awful thing to have happened. I only to to meet her a few of times, but she was a very nice and great person to chat with. She seemed like she was a great sister and daughter. Everyone is going to miss her. There will be a great spot for her in Heaven.

Our deepest condolences

Britney Byrnes

April 1, 2013

We Love Tara and her sweet manner. im sorry for the loss to all that knew her and loved her as we did you will be missed but your memories will live strong always love the Byrnes

Janet Margrave

April 1, 2013

My most heartfelt condolences.

Diana Wiggins

April 1, 2013

When I think of Tara, I think about how there was always something special about her; an anointing, that set her apart as someone who was easy to love, to talk with and to be near. Tara's struggle with health, gave her a special and insightful way to relate to people and animals. She was not full of ego, or pride, but filled with love and laughter and hope that was infectious and made you want to be near her.
As a little girl, I saw the love Tara's mother poured into her world, the silent strength her father gave her to lean on. These parents, this love, this family shared a beautiful and confident child with the world who was a blessing to anyone who met her.
My heart grieves for Tara's family and for those who love her, and I pray that God pour his healing balm over their hearts. I, like many others, will forever see the world differently because of Tara.

Anonymous

April 1, 2013

My heart is broken for your family..especialy the parents...Lawrence and Dian..my only words of comfort are that you are not alone and your separation is temporary...
Find peace knowing you will be united again.

Lou Ann Winchester

April 1, 2013

Deena has brought so much to our lives. Her family being one of the best I have ever known. Her parents with the love to raise two beautiful wonderful girls and to see the love that they all shared is priceless. So very happy my son picked such a wonderful family to be part of. I know your love for Tara will never pass for she will be with you in everything you do. The tears will turn to smiles when her memories pop up in your mind, with all the crazy things she would do. We were shocked to hear Tara left our world and is in the arms of God. Our hearts are sad for your loss.

Love, Lou Ann and Family

My beautiful niece,Tara Marie at Uncle Bob's cookout last summer.

Aunt Dawanna Adams

March 31, 2013

Best Bud Cousins. Shane and Tara 2012

Aunt Dawanna Adams

March 31, 2013

Becki Parker

March 31, 2013

Tara, I write this completely torn. I am full of sorrow for the ones left to pick up the pieces and move on. However, my heart is at peace, knowing you are hand in hand with our Heavenly Father. You were always so brave, playing with the slimy snakes and reptiles. It was always so easy to start a conversation with you, and your witty sense of humor was a breath of fresh air. Our rides through Desert Ridge on the "tramp" (tram), our shared embarrassment when our moms made their redneck trip to Victoria's Secret. These memories will carry me through the moments when I truly miss you. I know there will come the day that you will greet me with a smile when I pass through those pearly gates.

Deena, Diane, and Larry. I love you. You have become a part of our family, and I will always cherish that. Please know Tara is watching over you and will continue to live on through the memories we all carry with us.

Brittany Smith

March 31, 2013

I hate to say I knew Tara because I knew Deena, even though I did. I hate to say that though because I remembered her not because of Deena, but because of her bright smile, pleasant nature, and passion for various things. My heart goes out to all friends, families, & anyone else who had the opportunity to meet her even once. Rest In Peace Tara.

Ida Hedlund

March 31, 2013

Larry, Diane and family,
May God be with you all, for my heart hurts today when I read that Tara had passed on to see Jesus. She was a beautiful woman and the few times I met her, she was awesome. My heart is with you Larry and Diane and family. Love to you all, Ida Hedlund

March 31, 2013

Seeing that Tara was a lover of all living creatures I am sure she will be so joyful when the day comes that humans and all living creatures will live in peace and harmony together. In time, God's Kingdom will even restore the peaceful relations that existed in the garden of Eden between animals, and between animals and humans. The Bible says: “The wolf will actually reside for a while with the male lamb, and with the kid the leopard itself will lie down, and the calf and the maned young lion and the well-fed animal all together; and a mere little boy will be leader over them.”—Isaiah 11:6-9; Hosea 2:18

Gabby Skelly

March 31, 2013

Tara, I will always love you and always miss you. Thank you for being the most amazing friend and person I have ever met! You will always be on my mind and in my heart! To Diane, Deena and Larry, I hope Tara's memories will give you happiness and strength, I hope to also keep in touch with each other! With much love, Gabby

Rachelle Hostetler

March 31, 2013

I knew Tara through Deena Jo. Deena viewed Tara in such a light that noone else could compare to. We may never understand God's plan for Tara, but we do know the world was brighter because of her. Whenever I see reptiles I will be reminded of Tara.

Sue Kopala

March 31, 2013

Dear Diane,
I was so sorry to learn about Tara. My thoughts, sympathy, and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Sue Kopala

Mary Ann Sutcliffe

March 31, 2013

Dear Diane and Family~ I was so saddened to hear about Tara, you always talked so proudly of her. May your wonderful memories comfort you at this time.
Mary Ann Sutcliffe

March 31, 2013

We are here for you if there is anything we can do. Don and Mary McArthur and Family.

Lisa Hartsfield

March 31, 2013

Prayers for the family. Lisa & Danny

Steven Hernandez

March 30, 2013

Tara, your an amazing person and im so glad i got to meet you! I wish i made more of an effort to get to know YOU better. But the memories i do have of you are hilarious, your so funny to me, so I want you to know when i think about you... im happy.
P.S. Dont worry im gonna pass on that pefect PB&J ratio to my son so your always gonna be around :-).

Roxanna Duncan

March 29, 2013

My heart aches for your family Tara. I wish I would have taken the time for you to show me around the zoo, you were so proud to be there and loving each and every animal. RIP Tara :*(

Larry Zirkelbach

March 28, 2013

Tara, you were a joy to be around and I will miss your smile. Goodbye for now but not forever.

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