A Celebration of Life for Tarah Jenkins, Age 43 of Norwood, Missouri will be held on Saturday, February 21st, 2026 at The Caudle (Union Grove) FWB Church, Norwood, Missouri, from 2-4 PM.
Tarah Genelle (Johnston) Jenkins, beloved daughter of Jim and Joyce Johnston, was born on September 13, 1982, in Springfield, Missouri. She departed this life at the age of 43 to be with our Lord on February 6, 2026, at Barnes Hospital, in St Louis, Missouri.
Tarah grew up in Norwood where she attended school from kindergarten through twelfth grade. She played basketball all four years of high school, was a member of the National Honor Society, and graduated as salutatorian of her senior class. Education was always important to her. Tarah began her college education at SMS in West Plains, Missouri, and graduated from SMS/MSU in Springfield in 2005 with her bachelor’s degree. She later earned her master’s degree in education. Teaching was more than a profession for Tarah; It was a calling.
Tarah began her career as a kindergarten teacher at Monett Elementary, in 2005. For eight years, she nurtured young hearts and minds, offering patience, encouragement, and a warm smile to every child who walked through her classroom door. She had a natural gift for making children feel seen, valued, and capable. In 2013, she made the decision to join the family business full-time as a graphic designer. There, her creativity and talent truly flourished. She had an incredible eye for detail and loved helping customers bring their ideas to life. Her talent, dedication, and pride in her work were evident in everything she created.
Above all her accomplishments, Tarah was most proud of being a “boy mom.” Her two boys were the center of her world. She poured her heart into raising them. She loved to travel and cherished showing her boys the world. She was a devoted and involved mother, faithfully attending school activities and cheering them on in archery, band, and athletic club events.
Tarah was always ready to travel and was often the one planning the family’s next trip, vacation, or get together. She found joy not just in traveling, but in creating meaningful experiences for the people she loved most. Whether it was visiting relatives in Texas, spending a day at Trader’s Village or exploring Waco, Texas, visiting Yellowstone National Park, or making countless magical memories at Disney and Florida, Tarah treasured every moment. She enjoyed exploring ballparks and theme parks in California, attending the balloon festival in New Mexico and even set sail on a Carnival cruise to Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. For Tarah, travel was never just about the destination; it was about laughter, togetherness, and building memories her family would carry forever.
Tarah had a special love for baseball and was a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan. On her final adventure, she traveled across the country visiting major league ballparks, attending seven MLB games in just ten days. Along the way, she toured Washington, D.C., climbed the Statue of Liberty, explored New York, Philadelphia, and Boston, visited the Baseball Hall of Fame, and Hershey Amusement Park, where she embraced every moment.
Tarah stepped outside her comfort zone to participate in flight school. With determination and excitement, she embraced the challenge of learning to fly, finding both thrill and an accomplishment. It was yet another reflection of her adventurous heart. Whether on the ground exploring new places or soaring above them, Tarah lived with courage and curiosity.
Tarah fought a courageous battle with cancer, never losing hope and facing each day with strength and grace. Her courage inspired those around her, and her faith carried her through even the hardest moments.
Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we are forever grateful for the love she gave and the memories she created. Her kindness, creativity, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family will continue to shine brightly in the lives of her boys and all who knew her.
Tarah is survived by her sons, Hunter and Masyn Jenkins, of the home; her parents, Jim and Joyce Johnston of Norwood, Missouri; her brother, Nate Johnston of Fulton, Missouri; and many beloved uncles, aunts, cousins, and dear friends.
Tarah’s grandmother, grandfather, aunt, and uncle, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family for a memorial fund for Tarah’s boys.
