Tanya Mae Maeser

Tanya Mae Maeser passed away on October 22, 2018, returning home to her beloved Savior. She fought an incredible battle with leukemia, pushing through physical suffering and setbacks with calm determination. When it became clear that she would not win this fight, she faithfully accepted that it was time for her mortal life to end, giving her final days to her family. She talked glowingly about becoming an angel and all the heavenly things that she would see and learn when she passed through the veil. She leaves us heartbroken but inspired by her strength, her faith, courage, and peace in living life and facing death.

Tanya was born in Jerome, Idaho and moved to Houston, Texas at age 6. As the fourth of six children, she tended to feel forgotten in the mix, but always knew she was loved. She had unique loving relationships with each of her siblings—they fought and laughed, looked out for each other, and loved each other. Throughout life she was always especially close to her younger sister Mandy, who served as her stem cell donor in 2013.

Tanya had her rebellious teenage years, as she struggled to find who she was and where she fit in the world. And while these years involved some pain and difficulty, she always considered them formative to who she became, and brought into her life some very dear lifelong friends.

In 1998 she moved to Arizona to take a job with the ANASAZI wilderness therapy program. This was an experience that was absolutely transformative for Tanya. She continued to work in wilderness therapy off and on for several years, and her love for the wilderness never dimmed.

Tanya served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Durban, South Africa. She often talked with great love about her experiences there, the people of South Africa, and her fellow missionaries.

After returning home she moved to Utah to go to school. After various starts and stops, and changes of location, she eventually graduated from Southern Utah University in Sociology, where she was her department’s student-of-the-year. After graduation Tanya worked as a housing case manager at The Road Home, in Salt Lake City. She loved the people that she worked for and with while there, and in this capacity she displayed her wonderful ability to serve those in need.

In March 2011, after a crazy and whirlwind courtship, she married Nate Maeser for time and eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple. Soon afterward the couple moved to central Australia for a year, and then to Omaha, Nebraska for four cherished years. Most recently, the family has settled in Midway, Utah for the past two years.

In October 2012, Tanya was blessed with her beautiful, good, and sweet son, Nathan. It was her truest dream to be a mommy, and she threw herself fully into motherhood. She is a great mom. A parent never loved a child more than she loves her boy.

At every step along her wild, wonderful, winding path, Tanya touched lives and developed true friendships with all who were willing and lucky enough to truly know her. She continued to share with her friends a deep love and devotion even as years and great distances separated them.

Packed into her quiet voice and gentle ways, Tanya was a spiritual force we have been so blessed to experience. She loved with passion the gospel of Jesus Christ, and always served with great effort and diligence within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including attending and serving in the temple as often as possible. Additionally, she had a passion for natural and alternative medicine and healing, which she felt went hand in hand with her spiritual life and was an essential source of community and support for her.

Tanya, we miss you. We miss your sweet, gentle voice. Your energy, fire and determination. Your insight and wisdom. Your silly wit. Your perfectly unique style. We love you truly, deeply, and forever.

She is survived by her husband Nate, and son Nathan. Her parents, Randy and Chris Ellis. Siblings Spencer (Shelley) Ellis, Chalice (Jhonny) Marcano, Ginger (Erik) Lathen, Mandy (Jason) Geserick, Jacob (Liangzi) Ellis, many nieces and nephews, and countless dear friends who love her.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 3rd at 11 AM at the LDS chapel at 1102 South Center St Midway, Utah 84049. A viewing will be held November 2nd from 6 to 8 PM, also from 9-10:30 AM prior to the services both will be at the LDS chapel.