Tauna Huish Thurgood, Rand’s dear sweetheart, journeyed from this earth life into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father and her Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 in Murray, Utah. She was born on March 11, 1948 in Provo, Utah to her dear parents Louise Marie Arave and William Floyd Huish.
Tauna had a wonderful childhood filled with music, dancing and stage. She became an accomplished vocalist and starred as Liesel in Utah Valley Opera’s performance of The Sound of Music. Perhaps better than her singing was her talent as a pianist and organist. She played as a Ward Organist in every ward she attended as a teenager and adult, and served as a Temple Organist for nine years in the Jordan River Temple. She had the gift of playing with the Spirit of the Lord and her music touched the hearts of countless people wherever she played.
As a young woman she waited for her missionary, J. Rand Thurgood, and they were married and sealed together on December 20th, 1968 in the Salt Lake Temple. Their joining together as husband and wife began a dedication to the Lord that traveled through time and place for more than 51 years. She had numerous church callings in Primary, Young Women, Relief Society and Music. While living near Oakridge, Tennessee she held five such callings at the same time in the Rockville Branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The last 24 years of her life were given in humble service as a dedicated Temple Worker in the Jordan River Temple and Oquirrh Mountain Temple.
Tauna and Rand were blessed with four sons: Brian, Adam, Nathan and Matthew. They were energetic boys and Tauna soon knew all of the ins and outs of tennis, soccer, basketball, football and ping pong. She traveled much of Utah with her sons for these sports and always put the life and activity of these sons in front of hers – she loved them and raised them well. She indeed was a “goodly mother.”
Tauna gave her life companion, Rand, all that she possessed. She gave him her support, her gentle guidance, her integrity, her devotion, and her love unfeigned. She was a mighty and trusted daughter of her Father in Heaven and will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her husband James Rand Thurgood, her sons Brian Rand (Laura) Thurgood, Adam Scott Thurgood (Agnieszka Abram), Nathan Todd (Heather) Thurgood, Matthew James (Jennifer) Thurgood, her sister Mignon (Charles) Sandgren, her brother Brad Huish and 11 grandchildren.
I am so sorry to hear of Tauna’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
We were saddened to learn of Tauna’s passing. Our heartfelt prayers to Rand and the boys. We have fond memories of your family while you lived in our neighborhood.
Rand and family……..Brett and I were so sorry to hear of Tawna’s passing. She was a lovely gracious woman and Mother. Our love and prayers go out to all your family.
Leslie and Brett Lees
Rand, Tauna was and still is an amazing woman. She taught me how to lead music. I always loved to hear her play. I would describe her as a faithful and gentle person. So sorry for your loss.
Dear Rand, I know so well how much you miss your dear companion, please know how much I am thinking of you and your family. May our Heavenly Father continue to bless you.
Rand,
Please know that our hearts were saddened to learn of the passing of Tauna. We extend to you our love and condolences.
Tauna was a dear lady, a real friend, and a lovely person.
May the Lord bless you and your family,
Peter and JoAnn Rawlins
Rand,
We were truly saddened to learn of your loss! Our hearts, our prayers go out to you and your family. We count it a privilege to have been friends of you and Tauna, and always appreciated the wonderful neighbors that you were.
