Tara Davina Milligan

From Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral Home: Tara Davina Ricker Milligan, 37, was born on August 1, 1985, in Lewisville, Texas. She died on September 9, 2022, in Elk Mills, Maryland. She was preceded in death by her son, Conor Davin on September 3, 2019, and joined immediately by her other children: Teresa Brigid, Nora Merian, and Finn Ricker. She is survived by her parents, David and Pauline Ricker; her sisters: Aislinn (Curtis) Mellor, Fiona (Zachariah) Rollins, Erin (Rob) Smith; and her brother, Gary (Laura) Ricker. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws, and friends who also mourn her. Growing up as the youngest of five, Tara was doted on as the blonde, curly-haired baby of the family. She was a rough and tumble little rascal, who always wanted to be in the thick of whatever her three older sisters and one older brother were doing. She loved animals and was used to a houseful of dogs and cats and enjoyed several litters of puppies and kittens. When she started taking horseback riding lessons, she thought she was in heaven. Tara enjoyed playing sports throughout her life, especially softball and basketball. She was a very good pianist and played often for her church congregation. She was kind and looked for the good in others and felt strongly about being a friend to all. She valued being honest and would go out of her way to make sure she was doing what was right, even if it put her in an uncomfortable position. Her sense of humor and dry wit were hilarious. Laughter was assured when she was around. Being the youngest sibling, Tara had the opportunity to be the fun, cool aunt starting on her 14th birthday. Her nieces and nephews LOVED her. She was patient, funny, and energetic…traits that came in very handy when her own four children came on the scene. She loved to take road trips and travel. Whether with siblings, parents, cousins, or friends, she was always up for adventure. Visiting her family in Ireland was always a treat, and she was able to do that a few times. Some of the places she had explored include Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Mexico, Norway, Puerto Rico, and many areas of the US. She was constantly adding more destinations and planning ways to broaden her family's horizons. Tara was a born and bred Texan, graduating from Boerne High School in 2003. She had a deep love for the Lone Star State and hoped to one day return and live here. She moved to Utah to attend Brigham Young University, where she met Marcus Edward Milligan, and they were married in the San Antonio, Texas, Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on December 29, 2007. She received her BS in Marriage, Family, and Human Development. After graduating, they moved back to Texas, where Teresa was born. Various moves took them to the East Coast, where Nora, Finn, and little Conor joined the family. Conor's cancer diagnosis, and subsequent battle, was a difficult time for the family, yet also strengthened the bonds between the Milligan children. When Conor passed at almost-4-years old, the family was heartbroken, yet determined to grow and thrive. They moved a final time to their beautiful home in Elk Mills, Maryland, on a quiet, green cul-de-sac, backing up to horses and wooded areas. Tara homeschooled her three children, and they also attended some part time classes, as well as participating in a variety of musical, athletic, church and artistic extra-curricular activities. Five cats and a dog eventually joined the medley, featuring prominently in the imaginative stories, games, and songs of the children. Tara was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and had a strong testimony of her Savior, Jesus Christ, and of the saving nature of His Atonement. She served enthusiastically in many of the church organizations, most recently in the Young Women's organization, which brought her and Teresa and Nora much happiness. She taught her children to recognize the hand of the Lord in their lives. All were certain they would be reunited with Conor, though never anticipated it would be so soon. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 23, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Boerne.