Nadine Marie Tannas

Nadine Marie (Smith) Tannas, age 84, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, adventurous spirit, generous heart, and fierce devotion to her family.

Nadine was born on September 24, 1941, in Rigby, Idaho, to Glenn Francis Smith and Mary Ellen Cutler Smith. She spent her childhood in both Idaho and Dillon, Montana, where she helped her mother in the kitchen cooking for the cowboys. Her homemade bread, canning and cooking from scratch meals were enjoyed by countless family members and friends throughout her life. Nadine especially cherished the time she spent with her Grandma Cutler, who taught her to crochet. Although life eventually took her far from the ranch, those early years shaped the hardworking, generous, and adventurous woman she became.

A woman of deep faith, Nadine devoted her life to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Her unwavering testimony guided her decisions and blessed the lives of those around her. From November 1963 to May 1965, she faithfully served as a missionary for The Church o f Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the British Mission under the direction of Marion D. Hanks and Preston Robinson. Her mission included many memorable firsts, including her first airplane flight to England and her return voyage aboard the famed RMS Queen Elizabeth.

After returning home from her mission, Nadine moved with her parents to California, where she worked at The Broadway department store. Believing she would likely never marry, she was surprised when DuWayne Tannas entered her life at a church activity. Their first date left her father speechless, and DuWayne soon left Nadine speechless with his "poetry." After just three dates, they became engaged and were married three months later in the Los Angeles California Temple on May 23, 1970.

While living in Buena Park, California, Wayne and Nadine welcomed their daughter, Ellen Marie, in 1971 and their son, Eric DuWayne, in 1972. In 1973, they moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where they made their home on Plateau Drive and welcomed their daughter, LeAnna, in 1975.

When LeAnna was born with Down syndrome, Nadine embraced the challenges before her with extraordinary determination, fierce advocacy, endless patience, and unconditional love. She became her daughter's greatest champion in her toddler years, ensuring she was loved, protected, and given the opportunity to thrive.

In 1987, Nadine and her family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she continued serving faithfully in various Church callings, added Southwestern cuisine to her recipe collection, and enjoyed watching the city's famous hot air balloons. Nadine had a remarkable gift for growing things. She was a master vegetable gardener and lovingly cultivated beautiful irises and roses. She was the kind of neighbor who generously shared the fruits of her garden and the warmth of her heart. She truly was the "salt of the earth"—kind, dependable, humble, and endlessly giving.

In 1992, Nadine and Wayne fulfilled her dream of returning to ranch life by moving to Roundup, Montana. Together they created the Tannas Ranch, a place filled with treasured memories for their grandchildren. Nadine raised cattle, sheep, peacocks, and turkeys, giving their grandchildren opportunities to milk cows, splash with frogs in the little "pool," delight in newborn kittens, and discover the joys of ranch life. Grandma welcomed every adventure—even allowing those kittens into the house. She began serving in the Billings Montana Temple as soon as it opened, serving in various Primary & Relief Society presidencies.

In 2010, Nadine reluctantly—but wisely—moved to Sandy, Utah, where within a few years all of her children and grandchildren lived nearby. Her adventurous spirit never faded. Whether zip-lining, riding whitewater rapids, tubing behind a boat, or racing down snowy hills on a sled at age 70, Nadine was always all in.

Nadine's greatest joy was her family. They will forever remember her resilience, quiet strength, willingness to serve, warm meals, beautiful gardens, adventurous spirit, and love. Her influence will continue to bless generations to come.

Nadine is survived by her brother, Monte (Brenda) Smith; her children, Ellen (John) Sperry, Eric (Megan) Tannas, and LeAnna Tannas; her grandchildren, Joshua (Bailey) Sperry, BriAnna (Jack) Rhineer, Tiffany (Samuel) Durrant, Paige Tannas, and Samson Sperry; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Jace and Sadie Sperry.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn Francis and Mary Ellen Smith; her sister, Alice Frances Smith; her brothers, Terry Clyde Smith and Glenn Paul Smith; her sister, Marilyn Kay Smith; and her granddaughter, Sariah Anne Sperry.

The family extends special thanks to Brittani and Lydia, whose friendship, compassion, and hospice care brought comfort during the time Nadine's physical body could no longer keep pace with her adventurous spirit.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 2115 East Creek Road, Cottonwood Heights, Utah 84093. A viewing will begin at 12:00 p.m., followed by funeral services at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park in Millcreek, Utah. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary. A virtual viewing link is available upon request.