Tara Vanluven

Tara Ann VanLuven, age 45, of Eaton Rapids, formerly of Charlotte, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 13, 2024. She was born January 2, 1979, in Charlotte the daughter of Jerrold and Marilyn (Hickey) Gilding. Tara graduated from Charlotte High School in 1997. On October 13, 2012, she married Steven VanLuven at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte. Tara worked the majority of her career as a care giver. She loved serving others and caring for them in their time of need. Most recently she was employed at Sensations Memory Care where she made many lasting friendships. Family meant everything to Tara. She adored her husband, children, sisters, and extended family. Tara enjoyed taking trips camping and to the beach. She loved soaking in the sun and relaxing beside the pool. Tara loved spoiling her nieces and nephews. When her mother passed away, she took over the role as the family matriarch. She would call or send texts to keep in touch with everyone on a regular basis. Tara was an avid U of M football fan. She loved going to games with her family. One of the last adventures she took was with Steven to a game in Ann Arbor. Tara had countless friends throughout her life that grew to become like her family. Her contagious laugh, a hearty clap, and her giving spirit will be missed by all who knew her.

Tara is survived by her husband, Steven; children, Carter VanLuven, Gracie VanLuven; sisters, Tasha (Shannon Curtis) McCrimmon, Tia (Rodney McFadden) Gilding; nieces and nephews, Jensen McCrimmon, Caiden Gilding, Jaxson Johnson, Madison McCrimmon, Kelsey Johnson, Christopher VanLuven, Charlotte VanLuven, Eden Bennett; mother-in-law, Diane Peltier; father-in-law, Gary (Lesley) VanLuven; sister-in-law, Morgan (Jacob) Bennett; brother-in-law, Jason (Erin) VanLuven; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Trevor Gilding; brother-in-law, Christopher McCrimmon; grandparents, John and Norma Hickey, John and Dorothy Gilding; aunt Ann Winans; and uncle, Bruce Wilson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 11 A.M. at St. Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop celebrating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. and 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with the rosary being prayed at 7:30 P.M. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Hastings.

Those desiring may make contributions to the family.