Tara Mayes Kinsel

Tara Dawn Mayes Kinsel was born May 29, 1957, to Donald Mayes and Wanda Claunch.

Tara entered her Heavenly home March 2, 2026, in Phoenix, Ariz., after a short illness.

Tara loved a good adventure and she proved that by entering this world during the Dover flood of 1957.

She grew up in Dover and graduated from Dover High School in 1975.

Tara attended East Central University and earned her teaching degree.

She moved to Konawa where she met great friends and taught for many years.

Then the adventure bug hit again and Tara was off to Arizona where she taught in the White River School District and met the love of her life, Jerry Kinsel.

They were married Dec. 28, 1996.

Tara and Jerry loved the outdoors, the Arizona mountains and deserts and taking their dog Aspen for long walks.

The couple split their time between Oklahoma and Arizona and were always on the go trying to get in visits with each family member while in Oklahoma.

Tara left this world a better place just by being in it and was always quick to smile and help anyone who needed it.

She was lovingly known as “Aunt T” by most of her nieces and nephews, but also as “Aunt No No” by some.

When she hit town, she always had stuff and was told by a dad, “No, No more stuff” and the little one thought that was her name.

She still brought stuff, because what do parents know? She wore the name Aunt No No very proudly as she handed over whatever she brought the kids.

Tara had a way with everyone that made them feel important, heard and loved just by being around her.

She had a relationship with every family member and they all looked different to each of them in their own personal way.

Tara was preceded in death by her father-inlaw, Archie Kinsel; mother, Wanda Claunch; grandparents; brother-in-law, John Ludwig, and great-nephew, Luke Yarrow.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry Kinsel; mother-in-law, Nancy Kinsel; sister-in-law, Barbara Taflan; brother, Kelly Mayes (Sherri); sister, Karla Ludwig; brother, Bret Mayes (Sandi); brother, Brad Mayes (Jannette); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, at Dover Christian Church.