"And now these three remain; faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13
Taryn Lanay Tinant, age 15 of Valentine, Nebraska, passed away on Friday, December 3, 2021 at Children’s Hospital. Her parents lovingly held her hands as Jesus took her home. She was also born in Omaha, Nebraska on April 11, 2006, due to a medical condition.
She was born with half a heart, known as HypoPlastic Left Heart Syndrome. She underwent many surgeries and procedures as a young infant and toddler, but came out a rockstar. Her infectious smile and personality gained her many fans within her various hospitalizations. Her frequent time spent at Children’s Hospital introduced her family to a whole new “heart” family that are very dear to them. From birth through school age, she required very special care, which was given so lovingly by Diane Bailey. With this strategic care and love, Taryn flourished despite her severe heart condition.
Even though she physically had half a heart, it was big and full of empathy and love for others. She was a very loving and compassionate person who also was quite funny. Her “blonde” moments provided her family with much laughter and teasing, which she was a pretty good sport about. Her smile was so beautiful and could absolutely light up your soul with joy.
Growing up, Taryn was very active despite her medical condition. She participated in volleyball, soccer, basketball, softball, swim team, and dance. She earned her Bronze Award in Girl Scouts, took piano lessons, attended Sunday School, as well as Logos and served as Little Miss Poppy.
She was able to travel to many wonderful places and experience amazing things in her short 15 years. She enjoyed music and was able to go to several different concerts. These included: Taylor Swift, Jake Owen, Mattie & Tae, Lanco, and Jimmie Allen . One extra-special trip involved taking her family to Disney World through the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Another favorite adventure included traveling cross-country, through 13 states, with her mom and two sisters to see cousin, Casey. Special memories and moments were had no matter where or with whom Taryn traveled.
Taryn enjoyed doing what most 15-year-old girls do. She loved spending time with her friends. Whether they were cruising around, watching a movie, playing on their phones, or simply Face Timing or Snapchatting, she loved it. Many sleepovers and adventures were had with her two besties, JoJo and Courtney. She also enjoyed babysitting. She loved snuggling and playing with her numerous little cousins. If there was a baby in the room, Taryn would most certainly have it in her arms for cuddles.
Taryn was a freshman at Valentine High School, Class of 2025. This past fall, she participated in golf. It was a new sport for her, which was frustrating for her at first, but she learned to love the game and had improved so much. She was involved in Student Council, Interact, girls basketball manager, Mat Maids and FFA. Her passion for FFA was just blooming, and Taryn was so proud when she went to her first competition last week.
Logos and her church family were also a big part of Taryn’s life. She literally had thousands of people follow her journey and pray for her throughout her life. We firmly believe that the power of prayer and her faith in God helped carry her so gracefully through the many ups and downs of her life.
She loved holidays, but especially Christmas. Taryn had her own little tree, in her room, that had already been up for a month. She loved the big tree with the lights, and would often sit in silence staring at it before bedtime. The family gatherings at Christmastime was another reason she loved the Christmas season. Fun traditions of food, laughter, music, games, and togetherness were always favorites.
Most importantly, Taryn cherished and loved her family. It was no secret that she was a mama’s girl and didn’t like to venture too far away from home without her. Taryn loved going with her dad to the ranch to help with the cows, too. Plus, she enjoyed the beautiful sunsets at the ranch.
The relationship she had with her siblings was unlike any other. She admired her older siblings, Turner and Torrie, and adored her little sister, Tylee. Whenever Taryn needed them, they were always right there to help her in any way, even as she entered the Kingdom of Heaven.
Taryn was blessed with an extended family that she spent much time with. She was fortunate to have grown up with both sets of grandparents, and was spoiled with many sleepovers, trips for ice cream, and guaranteed attendance at every one of her events. Get-togethers with aunts, uncles, and cousins was also a delight as it usually led to a cousin sleepover.
Taryn was preceded in death by her Aunts: Billie Tinant Murphy and Cynthia Sue Larson.
Taryn is survived by her adoring parents, Deon and Michelle Tinant; her loving siblings, Turner, Torrie, and Tylee; Grandparents, Lyle and Sharon Larson, Dan and Sheri Tinant; Uncles and Aunts, Dan and Brenda Steiner, Bob and Barb Barr, Sam and Karma Dondlinger, Jim and Bobbie Cox, and JP Murphy; Cousins, Kyle, Alexa, Gibson, and Quinton Dorn, Casey Steiner, Ethan and Shauna Steiner, JD and Emily Barr, Chris, Sunny, and Stormy Elliott, Thorn Dondlinger, Robert and Keelani Cox, Daniel, Emily, and Judd Cox, Faith Cox, and Grace Murphy; her child caretaker, Diane Bailey, as well as numerous great-aunts, uncles, extended cousins, classmates, friends, and prayer warriors.
Pallbearers are Uncles; Dan Steiner, Bob Barr, Jim Cox, Sam Dondlinger, JP Murphy and cousin Ty Tinant. Honorary Pallbearers are the Valentine Class of 2025.
Visitation for Taryn will be Friday, December 10, from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Valentine United Methodist Church. Celebration of life service will be Saturday, December 11, at 11:00 AM at the Valentine United Methodist Church. Lunch at the 4-H building will follow the service for all. Private family burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Valentine.
From Taryn’s Favorite song by Rascal Flats….
“My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to.
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small, you never need to carry more than you can hold.
And while you’re out there getting where you’re getting to, I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too.
Yeah, this, is my wish.”