In Loving Memory of Tauna Gifford

Tauna Gifford, beloved mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend, was born on August 31, 1947, in Hurricane, Utah. She passed away on August 10th at her home surrounded by her loved ones. She lived a life filled with family, adventure, hard work, laughter, and friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Tauna married the love of her life, Larry Gifford, and together they raised five children. Throughout their years together, Tauna and Larry moved and made memories in many places, including Las Vegas, Oregon, Virgin, Springdale, cabins on Kolob and Smiths Mesa, before eventually settling in LaVerkin, Utah.

Tauna spent much of her working life in the hospitality industry, working at several hotels and restaurants throughout Southern Utah and beyond. She had a natural ability to make people feel welcome and enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life. One of her favorite places to work was The Bit and Spur, where she loved visiting with customers and making new friends. She became known for her fun personality and would sometimes trade shirts with customers, creating stories and memories that were uniquely Tauna.

She also enjoyed her time working at Cross Creek, where she met many wonderful women who became lasting friends. Even after leaving the job, Tauna continued to keep in touch with many of the girls she worked with, cherishing those friendships throughout the years.

In her free time, she enjoyed putting puzzles together and making quilts and baby blankets for family and friends. She loved listening to all kinds of music and driving her blazer that was taller than her.

Tauna was preceded in death by her parents, Thora and Reed Spendlove, her brother Spencer Spendlove and her husband, Larry Gifford.

She is survived by her five children: Tammy (David) Mott, Lancer Gifford, Laurell (Aaron) Winkler, Tiag (Christine) Gifford, and Taleel (Tim) Marolf, her 3 brothers, along with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and many friends who will miss her dearly.

Tauna will be remembered for her independent spirit, her love of people, her sense of humor, and the many friendships she made wherever life took her. Her years were filled with people, places, stories, and experiences that made her life uniquely her own. She leaves behind a family and community who will carry her memory with them and treasure the moments they shared.

Her life was a journey through many places, but wherever Tauna went, she left a little piece of herself behind—and took a piece of everyone she met with her.

The family would like to thank the staff at Summit and her caregivers Michelle and Chantelle and a special thank you to her awesome "neighbor" Brandy!

A grave side service will be held on Monday August 17th at 9am at the Spendlove family cemetery on Smiths Mesa. A luncheon will be held at 12pm at 70S 300W, LaVerkin, Utah.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454.

Friends and family are invited to share their condolences and sign Tauna’s online guestbook at www.SpilsburyMortuary.com