OLATHE, Kan. – Tara Susanne Azwell, 78, of Olathe, Kan., passed away July 20, 2021 at Olathe Hospice House. Tara was born June 10, 1943, in Kansas City, Kan., to Errol and Lillian (Hymer) Shideler.

Tara grew up in Kansas City, and was a graduate of Wyandotte High School in 1961. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State, having later obtained additional degrees from Kansas University, Emporia State University and Kansas State University, where she earned her Doctor of Philosophy, May 12, 1989. Early childhood education was her specialty, along with reading instruction.

Tara began as an elementary classroom teacher, having taught in Kansas City, Topeka, and Osage City for a number of years. She was later offered a position at the Teacher’s College of Emporia State University, where she was a professor for 20 years.

Tara married Charles David Azwell II, Dec. 27, 1964, Kansas City, Kan.

Tara was an avid reader, and enjoyed traveling, and sponsoring exchange students from Europe and Mexico, and loved being a teacher. Tara will be dearly missed by family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Tara is survived by her husband, David, of the home; her sons, Scott Azwell, Sterling, N.Y., and Andrew Azwell, Gardner, Kan.; four grandchildren, Elizabeth, Kathryn, Ryne, and Haley; and seven great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held in memory of Tara 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, in the ARC building, 132 E. Main St., Gardner, Kan. A brief presentation of thoughts and remembrances will be presented by long time friend Harvey Foyle, followed by a social time with refreshments served.

Condolences can be left at www.brucefuneralhome.com; Bruce Funeral Home, Gardner.