Tara Lea Ogden 1976 - 2019

BILLINGS, MONT. – Tara Lea Ogden, 42, died from injuries sustained from being struck by a vehicle while walking home to her apartment on May 4th. She was pronounced dead at the hospital early May 5th.

Tara was born to Ronald G. Ogden and Nicki L. McPhee Hals July 25, 1976. She was raised in Seeley Lake and attended grade and high school there. She finished her senior year and graduated in Unalaska, AK. While in Seeley Lake she helped raise, train and cared for 30+ sled dogs at her father's kennels in Camp Creek. She adored animals and always said she understood them better then any human.

She had many different jobs - from dog handler and forklift operator to lumber stacker at Pyramid. She worked in shipping and receiving in several large companies. She was not afraid to try something new. She was a hard worker that believed in commitment to her tasks at hand. She had recently started a new position at Briggs Distributing in Billings, Mont.

She loved to read, especially history books. She was also an avid "Gamer" on the internet and had tons of games that she played on gaming devices at home.

She married Greg P. Willard on Sept 12, 2003 in Las Vegas, Nev. They called Missoula their home until they transferred to Billings. They were divorced in March of 2016.

The last few years she had been committed to working out and had taken up jogging. She had just started classes in Jujitsu and boxing which she was really enjoying. She participated in last year's "Beat the Heat" 5K Marathon in Billings and was planning on attending again this August.

Her neighbor and friend commented Tara was in the best shape of her life and was beginning to enjoy her new life as a single woman.

She leaves behind her mother Nicki (Joe); step-brother Rowdy G. Ogden (April); grandfather Mac McPhee; her precious pug Bella and cats Jack and Loki. She also had a fish we named "Charlie."

Cremation has taken place. In remembrance of Tara, please donate to an animal welfare organization of your choice. She would like that.