Dear Harold and Rhonda Jean, Kent and I are heartbroken over the passing of your beautiful daughter. You have such precious memories...hold on to them to carry you through this most difficult time.
With love, Kent and Dolores
Kent and Dolores Brown
In Loving Memory
Heather Jean Thomas-McCandless
1978•2026
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Obituary
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.
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Ronda and Harold I am so sorry to hear such sad news. My love and thoughts are with you both at this tough time.
Lori Yates
Rhonda and Harold , we are so sorry to hear the news of your precious daughter’s passing . You have felt more than enough heartache with the loss of both of your children ,we send you our love and condolences. May she rest in eternal peace . Love Helen and Bruce Wiseman
Helen and Bruce Wiseman
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family as you endure this loss and celebrate her.
Lisa Yates
I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. I’m thinking of you both and hoping that in time you can find peace within memories.
Patty Schafbuch
May Heather Jean's name be as a blessing.
She loved to dance, I was lucky to have her as a gifted & wonderful student in my school. She worked so hard in all her classes. She grew into a lovely young woman and was a gifted dancer.
I was shocked to hear about her passing. The Thomas family has had too many tragedies. My love to Rhonda and Harold who I am so proud to have known because of their beautiful, talented daughter.
Love, Miki
Miki Casalino
I cannot imagine the pain you must be feeling, a pain I hope to never experience. Just know that Cindy and I love both of you and pray you may find comfort in memories of better times.
Mark and Cindy Besendorfer
I am surrounding you with love and concern!
She was a bright shining star in so many people’s lives.
Susan Stewart
Rhonda and Harold were so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter.
Our prayers are with you and the family.
Teresa/Dale Lobato
Teresa Lobato
Harold and Rhonda,
We are so sorry for the loss of you beautiful daughter.
Our prayers and love go out to you.
Heather played an important part in our son's life in High School and we will be forever greatful to her for that.
May you find peace and comfort in the love of our Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ.
Rich and Jodi Gray
Oh hon my heart breaks for you. Sending love and prayers.
Deb Anderson
Harold and Ronda, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that your family is in our prayers.
Dave Opoulos
So sorry for your loss,.
Paul Brown
Heather’s energetic smile and light in her eyes always brightened my day! She was an amazing friend who always radiated with the light of Christ! Her desire to stay close to the Lord is one of her greatest strengths! I will always remember her laugh and love for life!
I’m so sorry for your loss. May God continue to be with you and strengthen you. May you find peace in her memories and hope in His plan for you and your sweet family! All my love, Natalee
Natalee Lence
Dear Rhonda and Harold, My heart is weeping for you. I know full well the gut punch you are feeling. Many prayers uphold you at this time. May you feel Jesus, who weeps with you.
Such sorrow for your loss.
With love, Mary
Mary Ruplinger
Dear Rhonda and Harold
I was so sorry to read of the passing of Heather. She was always so kind and good to me. May she rest in peace.
Jan McCandless
Jan Mccandless
Our hearts are truly broken over the news of Heather's passing. We have so many beautiful memories with her that we will cherish forever. From family gatherings to holidays, Heather had a special gift for making everything beautiful. She was an incredible host whose warmth, kindness, and attention to detail made everyone feel welcome.
I will always admire the impact she had on those around her. Working in the beauty industry, Heather was such an inspiration to me. She left her beautiful mark everywhere she went—not just through her talent, but through the way she made people feel.
One of my most treasured memories is having Heather stand beside me as a bridesmaid at my wedding. It is a memory I will hold close to my heart forever.
Please know that our entire family is holding you close in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. We send our deepest condolences to you and your family. Dusty also sends his heartfelt condolences and all his love.
May you find comfort in the countless lives Heather touched and in the beautiful legacy she leaves behind. She will never be forgotten.
Brittney Waterfall Lafitaga
So sorry to hear about Heather.
carol anderson sharp
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