Melanie Thygerson

Surrounded by her loved ones, our beautiful, beloved mother and nana, Melanie Empey Thygerson, passed away in her home on September 30, 2025.

Mom had a gift to make everything beautiful and magical. Her home was always changing with the seasons. It was always fun to come over and see what she had created. She had a way to make everyday feel like it was Christmas. Always something to celebrate.

She was an avid gardener and loved to be outside in the sunshine tending to her garden. She loved all things nature. You could always find her outside with a book, staring at the sky or listening to birds.

Mom was a strong, independent and resourceful woman. If she saw a need or a solution to any problem she would fix it. She did this in all aspects of her life. She put everyone first and did so with full love. She was a single mother of seven children and opened up her home to other children in her home daycare. This was a way for her to be home with her children and provide a loving safe place for other children. Every child she cared for became a member of our family, and we loved them all dearly. Nana loves you all!

Even with our heartbreak, we are happy to know mom is reunited with her son, Kevin Richard Thygerson, and her mother, Wanda Miller Empey Cannon and Emerson Cannon, and loved cousin Linda Fisher Engar. The heavens rejoiced with her homecoming. She had a strong testimony, love, and knowledge of her Heavenly Father.

She is survived by her siblings, Karen and Craig Chambers, David Empey, Drew and Karen Empey, Roger and Vicki Empey, Chad and Deanna Empey, and Carl and Lisa Empey, and her beloved children: Craig Thygerson, Kent and Kira Thygerson, Kimberli Thygerson, Camilla and Brian Dahle, Joyelle and John Hatch, Sunshine and Jake Wilde, and honorary son, Cory Davis, and honorary daughter, Brittany Davis Gonzalez.

One of mom’s greatest joys were her grandkids: Brooklyn, Xander, Samuel, Isaiah, Izzy, Katie, Aidan, Adam, Claire, Jackson, Caleb, Wyatt, Eisley, Malia, Ethan, Morgan, Oakley, Eleanor, Elouise, and great-granddaughter Lena Poulsen, and soon to be great-grandson Timothy Skinner.

Mom loved us so much; we would all joke with her that we were her favorite. She made each of us feel like we were all her favorite. There is no greater love than that of our mother and nana. She will always be cherished. We love you Nana!

Instead of sending flowers, spend time with your loved ones. Go on an adventure and create a memory you'll always treasure.

Thank you to IHC Hospice, family, and friends for all the support and love given to our family.

We invite family and friends to join us in honoring the life of Melanie at a viewing and funeral service. The viewing will be held on Saturday, October 11th, 2025 at 11:00 AM at 5000 West Pavant Avenue, West Valley City, Utah. The funeral service will follow the viewing at 12:30 PM at the same location. Melanie will be laid to rest at the Memorial Lake Hills Cemetery at 2:30 PM located at 10055 South State Street, Sandy, Utah.