Tara L. Miller-Draper, 41, Rochester, passed away at 10:28 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018, at her residence. This followed a valiant battle with cancer.

On Feb. 20, 1976, Tara was born in Hopkinsville, Ky. She was a treasured daughter of Larry Hightower and Jodi A. Miller. She graduated in 1994 from Rochester High School. In November of 1995, she married Ray Draper. From their union came a handsome son, Brodi.

To relax, she kept up with her friends on Facebook. She enjoyed the challenges of puzzle books and played Tetra and Solitaire. She was the proud owner of a unique Boyd Bear collection. With a huge heart and passion for animals her feline companion Severus was at her side. Paramount in her life was Brodi, her crowning achievement who brought her great joy.   She enjoyed spending time with him and his friends.

Left to cherish her memory are a son, Brodi J. Draper, Rochester; her mother, Jodi A. Miller and Ed Beaird, Kewanna; four sisters: Maggie Hightower and companion Travis Shanklin of Elkton, Ky.; Coty Hightower of Elkton, Ky.; Jeanette Cave and husband Dale of Rochester; Karie Beaird of North Judson;  lifelong friend Ray Draper and his wife Patti; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins; and Severus, a short hair black domestic feline. Preceding Tara in death are her father, Larry Hightower in 2010 and her maternal and paternal grandparents.

A celebration of the life of Tara L. Draper will be at noon, Saturday, Feb. 17,  in the  Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester.  Friends may visit with the family from 9 until the hour of the service in the funeral home.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Fulton County Animal Education and Adoption Center, Rochester.