OLATHE — Tara Susanne Azwell, 78, Olathe, died Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at Olathe Hospice House.
She was born June 10, 1943, in Kansas City, to Errol and Lillian (Hymer) Shideler. She grew up in Kansas City, and graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1961. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State, having later obtained additional degrees from KU, ESU and K-State, where she earned her Doctor of Philosophy degree May 12, 1989. Early childhood education was her specialty, as well as reading instruction.
Tara began her career as an elementary classroom teacher, having taught in Kansas City, Topeka and Osage City for a number of yearIna s. She later accepted a position at the Teacher’s College of Emporia State University, where she was a professor for 20 years.
She married Charles David Azwell II Dec. 27, 1964, in Kansas City.
Tara was an avid reader, enjoyed traveling, sponsoring exchange students from Europe and Mexico, and loved being a teacher. She 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, NY and Andrew Azwell, Gardner; four grandchildren, Elizabeth, Kathryn, Ryne and Haley; and seven great-grandchildren.
No services are planned at this time. Bruce Funeral Home, Gardner, is assisting the family.
Condolences may be left at BruceFuneralHome.com.