Tara Carbaugh, of Kyle, TX, died at her home on Saturday, Oct. 25, after a valiant fight against melanoma, at the age of 49. Tara is survived by her loving mother, Roberta (Bobbie) Carbaugh, of Kyle, TX, and her beloved dogs, Finn and Murphy. She waspreceded in death by her father, Jerry Carbaugh. She is also survived by her aunts and uncles, Paul and Judy Leidig,of Jenison, MI, Ruby Machi, of Winston-Salem, NC, and Kathy Ratliff, of Aransas Pass, TX. In addition, Tara is survived by a group of devoted cousins, Katie Eure, of Winston-Salem, NC, Rob (Becky) Hickman, of Pickerington, OH, Jonathan (Karly) Leidig, of Jenison, MI, Dustin (Lisa) Machi, of Radford, VA, Mario (Nicole) Machi, of Havertown, PA, Amy Marsh if Aransas Pass, TX, Angie (Ralph) Pahl, of Cartersville, GA, and Jennifer (Jesse) Singer, of Aurora, IL, along with many friends and co-workers who she loved and was supported by throughout her illness. Tara was born on November 21, 1975, in Columbus, OH. From the minute she was born on the day of an Ohio State victory over the team up north, she was a fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes, and was so happy to see them win another national championship earlier this year. Despite her illness, she was avidly following this year’s top-ranked Buckeye team, too! She was a 1994 graduate of Bishop Hartley High School before heading to the University of Toledo and Ohio University. Tara found work in the legal profession, most recently at the law offices of Kenneth S. Nugent, P.C. in Savannah, GA. Her work family, especially Jim Kasprzycki, has been so supportive during her illness. Tara was an amazing friend who always put the needs of others first. Even in her final full day of life on Friday, she managed to work a few hours. She was a loyal and faithful partner in life with her mother, always by her side and supporting herwith whatever she needed. Tara loved dogs, especially the many Airedales that the family had over the years. She also loved to travel with friends and family, including trips to Europe and Asia in recent years. While she was sick, she never lost her positive attitude. Tara was rarely without a smile on her face, and that infectious smile will be a lasting memory for all who knew and loved her. The family would also like to give thanks to John Lee, a special friend who has provided love and support. Additionally, the family would like to thank Dr. Michael Davies and his staff at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and Dr. Juan Estrada and his staff for their support throughout Tara's illness.