Taunya S. Milender, 62, of Zionsville, IN lost her courageous battle with breast cancer on April 16, 2015 while surrounded by her beloved family. Survived and celebrated by her husband of 45 years David; her daughters, Amy (Paul) Medici and Kaija (Ben) Paddock; her son Josh (Nhut) Milender; and eight grandchildren-Grace, Giovanni, Jonah, Cade, Ashtyn, Mekhi, Tyler, and Dylan. Also surviving is her mother, June Smith; her brother, Jeff Smith; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and her many friends.Taunya was a graduate of Pike High School. As a dedicated mother of three, she embraced her children with love and guidance as volunteer teacher’s aide at Union Elementary School, active in scouting, and very involved in leadership within the Boone Co. 4-H program.The love of her children was followed by her passion for animals, especially horses. She became a certified vet technician working in Boone Co. Taunya concluded her career as a specialist with the Indiana State Board of Animal Health, receiving awards from U. S Department of Agriculture.Taunya enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, her horses, and her Corgis. She loved horseback riding, camping, traveling to many destinations including Australia and Hawaii, and of course, cheering her favorite football team-the Colts.The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Joseph Thomas and staff of “For Love of the Horse”, Oncology Nurses, and the St. Vincent Hospice staff for their care and support.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Taunya’s name to the Humane Society for Boone County, PO Box 708, Lebanon, IN 46052 or the Cancer Support Community-Central Indiana, 5150 W. 71st St., Indianapolis, IN 46268.A memorial service will be held at 3 pm, Saturday, April 25, 2015 at Mts. Runn Baptist Church, 250 S. 775 E., Zionsville (approximately 2 miles west of US 421 on State Road 32) with visitation from 1 pm to 3 pm. Arrangements and care have been entrusted to Simplicity Funeral and Cremation Care, Indianapolis.
