Heather Jean Thomas-McCandless

We are deeply saddened to announce the loss of Heather Jean Thomas-McCandless on July 17, 2026, in San Diego, California, of natural causes.

Heather was born on August 2, 1978, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Harold William Thomas and Rhonda Jean Thomas.

She grew up in Sandy, Utah. She was a dancer who specialized in performing classical ballet. She qualified for a dance scholarship which she used to graduate from Ricks College in 1998 with a degree in business and communications.

She competed in IFBB Bodybuilding Competitions in the figure division. She placed second in Utah and Las Vegas competitions, and ranked 12th nationally in 2014.

For work, Heather managed retail stores at Nordstrom and Macy's before becoming a regional manager for Clinique over five different states.

Heather was married to Jeremy "JR" McCandless in the Salt Lake City Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on June 15, 1999. They later separated in 2004.

Heather is preceded in death by her grandparents W. Alvin and Violet Thomas, Walter Scott and Doris "Nana" Jean Lillard, and Hilda Giles Ball. Her brother, Christopher Ryan Thomas, preceded her in death on October 13, 2022.

Heather is survived by her parents, Harold William and Rhonda Jean Thomas; her grandfather, Ronald R. Ball; her sister-in-law, Andra Lee Thomas; her nephews, Zakary Ryan and Deakon Kael; her niece, Raegen Victoria; as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held in Heather's honor on her 48th birthday, August 2, 2026, at the Hillcrest 4th Ward, 8735 Harvard Park Dr., Sandy, Utah. A visitation will be held from 4:00 - 4:30 p.m. with the celebration of life from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.