Tara Kay McCullough, age 55 of Ashland, MT passed away on the morning of July 28, 2018.
Tara was born in Sheridan, Montana August 25, 1962. She went home with her parents Harold and Mary Irion McCullough to live on the Goodspeed/Beam homestead on Otter Creek. In 1964 the family moved to Ashland. In 1968 Tara began Ashland public school and completed all eight grades. In 1976 she began the ninety-mile a day bus ride to high school in Broadus. She graduated from Powder River County District High School in 1980.
After graduation Tara attended Barber School and had barber shops in Colstrip, Broadus, and Ashland. She also worked as camp cook and bookkeeper for Cedar Breaks Outfitters with friends John Stuver and Rick Gatlin. In 1992 she changed careers and worked as property manager for Tamarack Properties at Cheyenne Village in Ashland at St. Labre. While working at St. Labre she met Rick Wells and they were married November 15, 1997. Tara acquired an instant family in Rick’s two children by a former marriage; Kris and Marshall. In 1999 Rick and Tara moved to FT. Collins, Colorado. During Rick and Tara’s years in Ft. Collins their niece Kimberly Miller lived with them and attended school in Ft. Collins. While in Ft. Collins, Tara attended Front Range Community College and completed a degree in nursing. Tara worked her way through nursing school while working for Front Range Community College in their high school programs. After graduation she continued to work at Front Range teaching nursing and in other Allied Health programs. In September of 2008 Rick, Tara and Kim returned to Ashland. Along with Tara’s mother, Mary Ann, they took over ownership of Green’s Grocery Store, renaming it T&R Trading, while taking care of the bookwork at the store. Tara also worked as a nurse at Ashland Community Health Center. Her duties at the health center included two days a week as the school nurse at St. Labre. After Rick’s death in 2015 Tara returned to work at T&R Trading where at the time of her death she and her mother were operating the store.
Tara is survived by her mother Mary Ann Irion McCullough, her Aunt Glenda Irion Somers, Brother Tom Yellowtail, niece Kimberly Ann Miller, nephews Lonnie and James Miller, step children Marshall Wells, and Kris Bartlett, first cousins Kyra Somers, Harla Somers, Kristie Milam, and Douglas Irion, as well as McCullough cousins. Tara proceeded in death by her husband Rick Wells, her father Harold McCullough, sister Tami Ann McCullough, and her first cousin Lara Somers, uncle Robert Iron, and his wife Venita Irion.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 2, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Labre Catholic Church. Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In Memory Of
Reader Interactions
Memories
Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.
Rita/Art McDonald says
We are so sorry Mary Ann,Kimmie and all of Tara’s family. Sending prayers and loving thoughts. God Bless all of you.
Rita/Art McDonald says
We are so sorry Mary Ann, Kimmie and all of Tara’s family for this terrible loss. Sending prayers and healing,loving thoughts. God Bless all of you.
Kelly Stevenson says
Mary Ann & Kimmie,
Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Barbara Hunziker says
Ron and I are thinking of you. We are so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and love your way.
Daisy says
Mary Ann & Kimmie,
Sorry for your loss. Mary Ann and Kim You are in our thoughts and prayers! Larry and Daisy Thompson
Patsy Brey Houseman says
Mary Ann and Kimmie, so sorry for your loss of Tara. You are in my prayers and may God be with you at this terrible time.
Nellie Speelman says
Kimmie and Maryann, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Tara loved you both. She is now with the love of her life Rick.
Dan and Sheri Gali says
So sorry for your loss Mary Ann and Kimmie !! Sending prayers for strength and healing.
Denice Hedges says
Maryann and Kimmie, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Pat Traub says
So very sorry for your loss. Praying for comfort for the family.
Bert & Helen Woods says
Kimmie and Maryann, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. So sorry that this tragic thing had to happen. May God soften your pain.
Kimber says
I am so sorry to hear about this loss!! I loved Tara so much! She was always there for me and helped me when I needed it. I will never forget spending so much time with her at the store and her house! She was such an amazing and giving woman!!
Angel Lei says
My heart goes out to Mary Ann and Family, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jolene Moore says
Dear Maryann , Kimmie, & Family. What do you say when we lose a loved one. She will always be with our family and in my heart. You are in my mind ,sending strength and love to you today and the future. Your Cousin from the same family tree. Jolene
Ronda Gress - Wakefield says
Mary Ann, Kim, and family – I am so very sorry to hear of Tara’s passing. Sending prayers of strength, hope, and healing during this difficult time.
Mike, Kristi, Chandra and Alyssa Speelman says
Mary Anne, Kimmie. Our PRAYERS are with you all at this time.
Hugs for both of from us.
Ken and Peggy Kolka says
So very sorry for your loss. Many prayers
Kim Wheadon says
Mary Ann and Kimmie
Words cannot Express what you are going through at this time. I was able to spend some time with Tara taking a ride in the mustang talking of expanding the store, she looked so happy and at peace then stated, Kim I found Jesus and it’s been the best thing, now Tara it is time to go and dance with Angel’s and be free of all your pain.
Vic and Laura Lee Ullrich says
I was shocked to hear of Tara’s death. I am so sorry Mary Ann and Kimmie and all who knew and loved her. She was such a wonderfully friendly and free spirit. We are in Arizona now, but our hearts and prayers are with you. WE are lifting you all up in prayer. May God give you peace as only He can. Vic and Laura Lee Ullrich (Cousins and kindred spirits)
Dianne Engel says
I am so very sorry for your loss. I loved hanging out with Tara since she was young. She made cheese cake from scratch her senior year for me. Sweet and loving girl into a very wonderful woman. Again, to her family I offer my sincere condolances.
Glenda Littlebird and children says
So sorry for your loss…Tara had such a beautiful spirit and personality. She was a blessing to my kids and I. Hugs and prayers always!
Donna and James Stevenson and Family says
MaryAnn, Kimmie, and Family – Sorry to hear about Tara. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kimber Emmons says
Mary Ann and Kimmie and family, I am so very sorry for you loss. Tara was always so kind and ready to give me some good teasing every time I saw her! She is missed beyond measure I am sure. God Bless.
Brett, Kimber, Chi, Savannah, ~Kenna~, Cale, Kensi, Caty & Karlee Emmons.
tammy & john schoenbeck says
Maryann & Kimmie, so sorry for your loss Tara, was a great friend, fly with the angels my friend
Dorothy Hafiz says
I am so sorry to hear about Tara. RIP Tara
Kaaren Rizor says
I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. Tara was a generous and giving person, a wonderful nurse who was truly suited to her profession, a loving person to her family and friends, and someone who really cared about others. Mary Ann, Kimmie, and all her family and friends, my thoughts and prayers are with you and my heart aches along with yours.
Tim & Karen Green says
Mary Ann and Kimmie. I am so glad that we had the opportunity to visit with Tara last Wednesday at Tongue River Reservoir. She was a true friend to the entire Green family and we will all miss her dearly. Sending prayers for strength and peace during this difficult tme.
Tad Torgerson says
Mary Ann, we are so sorry to hear this sad news. Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Prayers for God’s grace, strength, and peace during this difficult time.
Becky says
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with Tara’s family. She was a very sweet person.
Kimmie & Jamie Olson says
How devastating for you all. I’m so sorry for your loss, you are in my thoughts and prayers daily, please find comfort in knowing she is free from pain.
Betty and Skin Collins says
Hugs and prayers Mary Ann and all of Tara’s family. I loved working with her at the Montana Cafe when she was a young woman. So jovial and fun loving. Cherish her memories and hold them close to your heart and they will carry you through the dark days ahead. God Bless all of her family.
Kathleen says
I’m so terribly sorry for your loss, Mary Ann and family. Tara and I worked together several years in Fort Collins, CO. She and Rick became some of the best friends I’ve ever been blessed to know. I will grieve her loss, as I did Rick’s, but forever cherish the memories we all made together. May God comfort and heal you and may you RIP Tara, my dear friend. ❤️?
SALLY A. BORLA says
MARY ANN, GLENDA AND FAMILIES: I WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE TERRIBLE ACCIDENT THAT TOOK YOUR PRECIOUS DAUGHTER FROM YOU BUT I KNOW GOD IS LOOKING OVER YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES. WAS SO NICE TO SEE GLENDA AT OUR LITTLE CLASS REUNION SUNDAY EVENING IN SPITE OF THE SADNESS–I WILL SEE HER SOON BUT ALSO WANT YOU TO KNOW MY SISTER DARLEEN SENDS HER SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS TO ALL–SHE REMEMBERS ALL OF YOU SO WELL AND YOUR BROTHER BOBBY. PLEASE KNOW WE ARE THINKING OF YOU WITH LOVE AND PRAYERS.
Cora Mae Ofstie says
Mary Ann, Kim, Glenda & all the family,
Our hearts are breaking… May the gathering of friends & loved ones help to comfort you. May God give you strength. Our Love to you. Bob & Cora Mae Ofstie
Andrea (Hough) Heyneman says
Mary Ann and Kimmie and all, I am holding you all close to my heart. Sending love and deepest condolences for the loss of Tara. It’s hard to process and her passing leaves such an unwelcome hole in so many hearts. May the love of family and friends, and sweet memories lend you comfort always.
Carrie Lou says
MaryAnn and Kimmie, I’m sending prayers , hugs and love for each of you for today and the difficult moments that you will surely be faced with. There are so many feelings and few words with which to express myself. Suffice it to say…. she loved greatly and was loved in return.
Vonnie Shannon says
Mary Ann, Sending my sympathy.
KIMBERLY SPANG says
IT WAS SAD TO HEAR OF TARA’S PASSING. TARA WAS A GREAT LADY, GREAT NURSE AT ST LABRE SCHOOL AND A GREAT PERSON. GLAD TO HAVE KNOWN HER AND WISH HER A SAFE JOURNEY. PRAYERS TO HER MOTHER , KIMMY AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY…GOD BLESS…
KIMBERLY SPANG
Russ and Brenda Dotson says
Mary Ann and family we are so sorry for the loss of your dear Tara. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mary Sturtz says
105 N Wilbur
P O Box 445
andrita Harris says
MaryAnn, Kimmie and Family
So sorry for your loss. Deepest sympathy and condolences. Sending you my prayers
Ione & Bruce Cady says
MaryAnn & Kimmie…words cand express how saddened we are for your loss of Tara. Through the years I was privileged to have many heart to heart talks with Tara while I was working in our gas station. Tara had a heart of gold and her family meant the world to her. We send our prayers and know that you will always cherish all the wonder memories you shared with Tara. God Bless you all.
Yvonne Hanic says
MaryAnn and family, I so very sorry for your loss. Tara was a very dear friend to me. My heart is heavy with grief. We had only recently reconnected through facebook. I am forever grateful for that. God blessed us with many many memories. She made her mark in my life and heart.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Bonnie Bogner Sprague says
Mary Ann I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Tara. I send love and comfort to you all.
Bill and Ranae Lancaster says
Mary Ann, our hearts go out to you at this very difficult time. Ranae and I can’t begin to imagine your loss. We have not seen Tara for some time, though both of us went to High School with her.