Tara Marie Burkhart

In Loving Memory of Tara Marie Burkhart

Her parents' favorite middle daughter, Tara Marie Burkhart, lost the fight on May 30, 2026, at 2:14 PM after a long, tough battle with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

An unforgettable force, dedicated patriot, and beloved sister and friend, Tara leaves behind a legacy of immense strength, laughter, and gregarious spirit. She is undoubtedly in heaven right now already making friends and singing "Happy Birthday" in celebration of others’ joy with that infectious grin and inviting laugh.

Tara’s vibrant journey began on July 27, 1972, at US Marine Corps Air Station, Iwakuni, Japan, born to her proud parents, Tom and Betty Burkhart. Tara always saw her birthdate as the palindrome 27-7-72 (day-month-year).

From her earliest days, she shared an inseparable bond with her sisters, older sister Melinda and younger sister Celena. Together, they filled their childhood with mischief and joy, famously playing Dukes of Hazard using their parents' Ford Pinto as the ultimate stunt car. That same adventurous spirit later took the three sisters backpacking across Europe, where they tackled freezing temperatures and spent the middle of the night sliding on the ice, and then cuddled on an outside bench in an attempt to stay warm until morning. Always together climbing trees, driving go-carts, eating unknown foods, horseback riding, joining the military…..creating memories that time could never fade. Tara was a beautiful, strong willed, fiercely opinionated, playful, much-loved sister and daughter.

Raised with a drive to excel, Tara graduated from Grosse Ile High School before earning her pre-med degree from Oklahoma State University. Deeply motivated by a desire to serve her country, she went on to earn her commission as an officer in the United States Marine Corps, which included a combat tour in Iraq. Tara deeply loved being a Marine. She was a true warrior—tough, strong, and resolutely dedicated to making the world a better place. For Tara, fighting for equality, justice, and fair treatment for women and all people wasn't just an ideal; it was a fundamental necessity of being human. There is no doubt, she is now an Angel Warrior, determined to make a positive difference.

Tara was loved by all because she was so beautifully open and honest about her love for her family, her country, and her service. She loved sharing her experiences with fellow veterans, developing a massive, supportive network of military brothers and sisters who leaned on her strength and camaraderie.

Tara's fierce exterior was balanced by a heart of pure gold. An extraordinary pet lover, she cared for her animals as if they were her own children. She possessed a rare empathy that drew her to the most vulnerable, frequently adopting needy pets with severe disabilities and constantly wishing she had the space and time to rescue even more.

An avid runner, Tara pushed her physical limits by proudly running and finishing multiple Marine Corps Marathons and encouraged her family to join her. The time she posted for her very first marathon qualified her for the Boston marathon.

She was beautiful, bubbly, and possessed an infectious laugh. Her family will always fondly remember her inharmonious singing voice at every birthday celebration.

Tara leaves a piece of her incredible, irreplaceable spirit with everyone who knew her. She is survived by her loving parents, Tom and Betty Burkhart; her devoted sisters and their husbands, Melinda & Tim and Celena & John; her nephews and niece, Newt, Cody, Liam, and Kate; her “brother” Chuck and the rest of her extended family; her cherished pets; and a vast community of friends, fellow Marines, and loved ones who will forever carry her in their hearts.

In memory of Tara Marie Burkhart, memorial donations may be made to: The Fisher House or The Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation.