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Tara Diane (Luis) Myers, 78, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025, in Wheeling, West Virginia. Born on December 19, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, Tara spent her formative years in Glen Dale, West Virginia, where she developed lifelong friendships and a passion for learning. Raised Catholic and a proud graduate of Bishop Donahue High School in McMechen, WV, Class of 1964, Tara went on to study journalism at West Virginia University. She later continued her education and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from West Liberty University in 1998, an accomplishment that reflected her steadfast commitment to personal growth, curiosity and education. Tara worked in advertising for the Green Tab in Moundsville, WV from 1971-1975 and at the Los Angeles Times in Los Angeles, CA from 1976-1981, co owned and operated a bridal boutique, Collage, in Moundsville, WV and served as Executive Director of the Marshall County Chamber of Commerce in Moundsville, WV from 1984-1986. Tara dedicated the majority of her professional life to advancing medical research and supporting scientific discovery. Tara served as an administrator at Baylor College of Medicine in the Texas Medical Center, in Houston, TX where she played a key role in securing grant funding for infectious diseases and trauma medicine research. Her work contributed to vital advancements in medicine and left a lasting impact on those she worked alongside. Tara retired in November 2017, closing a distinguished and meaningful career. After retirement, Tara made her home in Beaumont, Texas, where she enjoyed a quieter pace of life. Just three months prior to passing, she relocated to Shadyside, OH, returning closer to family and familiar hills of the Ohio Valley. Tara is preceded in death by her father Max Victor Luis and mother Bernice Sophie Luis. She is survived by her brother, Gregg Luis (Nancy) of Los Angeles, CA; her daughters, Lisa Myers Rowe (James) of Cadiz, OH, Kirsten Myers of Houston, TX and Joy Myers Mack (Michael) of Shadyside, OH; seven grand children, Kial Downs, Stephen Mortakes, Brennah Sturgill, Casey Mortakes, Jessica Mack, Jennifer Mack and Colt Mack and 4 great grandchildren. In her later years, Tara was blessed with the companionship and devoted care of her closest and dearest friend, Mary-Ann Mastrangelo who she met and worked with at Baylor College of Medicine and with whom she shared many travels, laughter and a deep friendship. Mary-Ann lovingly supported Tara throughout her final years as her closest confidant and best friend. Tara will be remembered for her intelligence, resilience, wit, kindness and unwavering spirit. Her life was one of quiet strength, enduring loyalty to those she loved and her dedication and commitment to education and service. Private arrangements will be made at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Tara’s memory to a charity supporting medical research or education - causes she championed with purpose and passion. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. ~Psalm 23

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Tara Diane Myers

December 19, 1946 - November 4, 2025