Tamara Irene Houston Royer

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Tamara (Tammy) Irene Houston Royer, age 79, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family and friends on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

Tamara was born on April 30, 1946, in Logan, Utah, to Roy D. and Chloe Irene Reese Houston. She was the second oldest of seven children and grew up in North Ogden, Utah. She graduated from Weber High School, and it was during high school that she met her sweetheart, Rodney E. Royer. They were married on July 3, 1969, in her parents' backyard and built a beautiful life together for 56 wonderful years.

Tamara and Rodney raised their family in Harrisville, Utah, which included their children, Danny Royer, Roy Royer, Tammy Lyn Royer Bates, and Joe Royer, along with three grandchildren, Tre Checketts, Danika Tiev, and Hunter Royer, whom they helped raise.

Tamara was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her remarkable work ethic and willingness to help were apparent early on, as she was her parents' right hand at their restaurant, Finer Foods Cafe. Whether she was waitressing, cooking, preparing food or washing dishes, she was always there to help and gave her very best. She later brought her energy to Gray Cliff Lodge as a waitress and to the lunchroom at North Ogden Elementary. However, her most cherished role was that of homemaker, caring for the family she loved above all else.

Tamara possessed an incredible gift for art and an exceptional eye for detail. Her many talents included crocheting, sewing, cooking, gardening, embroidery, oil painting, ceramics, and canning food. Among her most treasured creations were the custom ceramic wedding dolls, for which she would replicate the bride's actual wedding dress—a precious keepsake treasured by those fortunate enough to receive them.

Tamara was known for her complete selflessness, always putting the needs of others before her own. She had a matter-of-fact, tell-it-as-it-was, and wonderfully feisty spirit that endeared her to all who knew her. Her quick wit and "shock factor" often brought smiles to faces, and she was fiercely compassionate, always ready to stick up for others and handle the bullies.

Tamara is survived by her loving husband, Rodney E. Royer; her devoted children, Danny Royer, Roy (Dominique) Royer, Tammy Lyn (Spencer) Bates, Joe (Trisha) Royer; and step-daughter, Wendy Sue (Brack) Nielson. She will be dearly missed by her 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; her siblings, Claudia Chamberlain, Joy (Jim) Peterson, Gay (Les) McBirnie, and Ellen (Mark) Minnoch; brother-in-law, Phil Tourangeau; many nieces and nephews; and her good friends, Pam and Doug Thomas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy D. and Chloe Irene Houston; mother and father-in-law, Elwood and Doris Royer; sister, Dawna Tourangeau; brother, Roger Houston; and brother-in-law, John Chamberlain.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the Ben Lomond Cemetery, 526 East 2850 North. Friends may visit with family on Friday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Lindquist’s North Ogden Mortuary, 2140 N. Washington Blvd.

Tamara will live on in the hearts of her family and all she has touched. Until we meet again, Tammy—we love you!

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