Tara E. Vance, age 48, currently of Evansville, Indiana and formerly of Xenia, passed away following a brave and courageous battle with cancer.

Being born on Independence Day, July 4, 1977, she lived her life with the expectation that her birthday would be celebrated with fireworks, a party and her grandpa's homemade ice cream. Tara was vibrant, always smiling and bringing joy and laughter to every situation. She loved shopping and spending time with her family. Lovingly known as "Nonna" she cherished every moment with her grandchildren. After her diagnosis, she made the most of her time and enjoyed traveling as often as her health would allow. Tara graduated from Xenia High School, Class of 1995. She was a very talented make-up artist and found joy in enhancing others beauty and making people feel valued. She worked at Sephora at the Greene in Beavercreek, before earning her own store in Evansville, Indiana. She was an example of grace and an inspiration to those who witnessed her journey.

Tara is survived by her husband, and the love of her life, Marc Vance; her children: Cora Stevens, Marques (Payton), Malachai and Kamariya Vance; her mother: Debra Gerhardt Pitzer; her father; Curtis Neil Blankenship, Jr., grandchildren: Cassius Stevens and Julianna Vance; siblings: Shawn (Jessica) Gerhardt; Dione Simons (Don Shellabarger); David Ryan (Jessica) Pitzer; Ashley and Josh Walters; sister-in-law: Marci Barr; nieces and nephews: Makaya Simons, Dezire Thigpen; Lexi Pitzer; Kayleigh and Kenzie Shellabarger and G'Liyah Hawkins; nephews: Jordan Gerhardt; Gavin Gerhardt (Macy Caupp); Lucas Pitzer and Simon Shellabarger; many special cousins, aunts, uncles and other relatives and many friends. Tara and her family especially appreciated the helpful visits by friends, Amy (Nathan) Baker and Lauren and Victor Garcia.

She was preceded in death by her step-father: David Pitzer; and grandparents: Charles and Annabelle Gerhardt and Curtis Blankenship, Sr.

Services to celebrate Tara's life will be held 12:30 PM Monday, November 17th at First Church of Christ, 441 Ledbetter Road. Rev. Andy Spencer will officiate. Visitation will be held beginning 10:30AM Monday until the time of service at the church.