Tara Kathleen Gray of St. James, Missouri passed away January 23, 2026 at Phelps Health in Rolla, Missouri surrounded by her family. She was 56 years of age.

Tara, the daughter of Sharon Evans and Fred Gray, was born November 22,1969.

Tara is survived by her mother, Sharon Evans of St. James, Missouri; five beautiful children: Zachary, Zephan, Zeb, Zeze, and Desiree; three grandchildren; three siblings: Scarlett Nelson (Jimmie Olivares); Melinda Gray Cunningham; and Jason Evans (Christiana); sister-in-law, Misty Gray; nieces and nephews: Bryan Caulkins, Brittanie Durbin, Emily (Sean) Sullivan, Haylee Pavlor (Anatoliy), Krystal Cunningham, Christian Cunningham, Austin Nelson (Amanda), Cole Evans, and Hudson Evans; great niece, Daisy Sullivan; great nephew, Ezra Caulkins; uncle, Weldon ``Mo" Gray; aunt, Joyce Gray; and a host of friends and many cousins.

She is preceded in death by her father, Fred J. Gray; her step-father, Charles Evans, Jr.; her brother, Joey Gray; her nephew, Chris Schuchmann; her nieces, Samantha Gray and Jessica Gray; aunt, Jane Gray; and uncles, Charles Gray (Wanda) and Jim Gray.

She loved learning, and she had a strong desire to be proficient in sign language. She had many years of schooling in her early years that prepared her for her later success in her higher education opportunities. For high school, she attended W. W. Samuell High School, and for middle school, she attended California School for the deaf in Riverside. For elementary school, she attended Monroe Elementary in Riverside, California as well as other elementary schools and preschool while living in Colorado. She continued her pursuit of learning after graduating high school, she graduated Texas School for the deaf in Austin, TX., in 1989, and she attended SWICD (Southwest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf) in Big Spring Texas.

Tara cherished her family. She loved researching her family's genealogy and gathering the history that surrounded the generations of her family. Having a hearing impairment, Tara's determined spirit helped her to become fluent in sign language. Having been blessed with kindness and patience, she was always willing to help others learn sign language. Animals were her adored companions; she always had a favorite one by her side. She loved Disney characters, especially Mickey and Minnie. Knowing Tara meant that you knew she loved the color purple. It was purple everything, from her glasses to her shoes. As one could guess, she absolutely loved shopping -always looking out for that next purple treasure!

A Celebration of Life will be held, an announcement will be released as soon as plans are completed.