Tara Downs

(From Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home)

Tara Lynn Downs, 45, of Verona, Missouri entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, October 13, 2020.

Tara was born November 4, 1974, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to Susan Anderlick and the late Richard Sullivan. On October 1, 1993, Tara was united in marriage to Ronnie Downs; he survives. Together they had three children, Caleb, Brent, and Ethan.

It was an honor and privilege to call Tara our mother, grandmother, wife, and friend. There just aren’t words adequate enough to describe just how incredible Tara was. A woman who always had a smile to brighten your day. A woman who cared for all, whether you were a stranger or not. A woman who continues to let the positive ripples of her life be felt through her own organ donation and the gift of life; always putting others before herself.

Although she had been struggling with heart disease for 17 years, Tara never let that get in the way of putting her whole heart into everything she did and everyone she loved. Tara taught us what the importance of life was. She was the glue that held so many things together and the sudden and devastating loss of her physical presence in our worlds will never grow easier.

In her spare time, Tara enjoyed being outside. She was happiest with her family, especially her grandkids, and her entire world revolved around her family. She found joy in loving others and making all feel welcome. Tara was a strong and vibrant light and took advantage of laughing any time she could. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a compassionate sister, daughter, and the best grandma. Tara was a friend to all, so very loved, and will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.

Survivors include her husband, Ronnie, of the home; three sons, Caleb Downs and wife Cidnee, of La Russell, MO, Brent Downs and wife Bri, of North Carolina, and Ethan Downs, of the home; four grandchildren, Braylee, Avianna, Axel, and Brooklynn; her mother, Susan Anderlick of Pierce City, MO; her sister, Jill Gracia and husband Guy, of Carthage, MO; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Friday, October 16, 2020, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home in Monett, Missouri. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. at the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Chapel in Monett, Missouri. Burial will follow services at the Spring River Cemetery in Verona, Missouri. Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are Ronnie Downs, Caleb Downs, Brent Downs, Ethan Downs, Eric Thom, and Austin Dawson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association in Tara’s honor.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home in Monett, Missouri.