Our beloved wife, mother, and daughter, Tara Christine Parke, age 47, passed away on December 29th in Riverton, Utah. Tara was born to Chris and Judy Fivecoat (Madsen) on June 9, 1969 in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was the second of three daughters, the oldest Julie Self, and the youngest Kelly Rendon. From a young age it was always clear that Tara had a big heart for family, friends, and pets. Along with being very loving, Tara was also ambitious. Tara had a devoted work ethic, starting work at the age of 14. She graduated from Jordan High School in the class of 1987 and then continued her education to receive both a Bachelors in Health Education at the University of Utah and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. Tara had a fulfilling eighteen ‚ year career with Salt Lake County Public Health.
Tara met the love of her life, Craig Parke, while attending the U of U. They later married on July 16, 1994. They shared many memories and adventures, and on February 23, 2007 their ultimate miracle began with the birth of their son Jaxon Craig Parke. They built a home full of love and shared their passion for travel with son Jaxon. Tara's keen sense of decoration and fashion was always present in every aspect of her life, from her clothes and jewelry, to the decoration in her house. She was always impeccable.
To know Tara was to love her. She touched many lives and will be sorely missed by all who were lucky enough to know her and love her.
Tara is survived by her son Jaxon Parke, husband Craig Parke, parents Chris and Judy Fivecoat, sisters Julie Self and Kelly Rendon (Sergio), many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She is preceded in death by grandparents, Sam and Eula Fivecoat, Clay and Emma Madsen.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 6, 2017 at 2:30 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road (10600 S.) in Sandy. Visitations will be held on Thursday, January 5 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and on Friday from 1:00-2:00 p.m. both at the mortuary. Interment will follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens.
