Thelda Snyder Gifford

Thelda Snyder Gifford Larson, 100 years old, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 9, 2026 in Saratoga Springs, Utah surrounded by family at the home of her grandson. She was born August 10th, 1925 at Mount Trumbull, Arizona to Ephraim Albert and Artie Francis McCain Snyder. She was the seventh of eleven children. 

Thelda was raised on the Arizona Strip, a place that shaped her early with hard work, horses, cattle, and deep ties to family. Her love for "out home" stayed with her throughout her life. At 16, she moved to California where she became a Rosie the Riveter during World War II, putting wings on planes in support of the war effort. At 18, she met Lawrence Gifford and they married after a whirlwind courtship of three days. They built a life together until Lawrence’s passing in 1988. Following his death, Thelda went on two family history missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from 1988-1992. After returning home, she met and married Everett Larson. They lived a life of service together, including a mission to Sweden. Her worn scriptures and frequent testimony spoke of her endless love for her Savior. Her hands showed a life full of working, quilting, gardening, and dedication. Her final wish in life was to be reunited with her family in Heaven. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lawrence Gifford, their three children Larry, Merlin and Amelia and son-in-law Spencer Spendlove, her second husband Everett Larson and step-children Jimmy, John and John’s wife Marlene. 

She is survived by two daughters-in-law Tauna (Larry) and JoAnn (Merlin), her brother Eldon Snyder and sister Devora Snyder Thayne, 26 grandchildren, many great and great great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be Saturday, February 14th at the Main Street Chapel at 166 S Main St, Saint George, UT. The viewing will be 10-11 a.m., followed immediately by the funeral service at 11 -12 p.m. Interment will take place Sunday, February 15th at 1:00 p.m. at the Snyder Family Cemetery in Penns Valley, AZ. 

Arrangements are made under the direction of Hughes Mortuary, 1037 E. 700 S. St. George, Utah, (435) 674-5000.