Tawnee Maria LeBaron Garrick

Tawnee Maria LeBaron Garrick, age 40, passed away on June 9, 2026. She was born on July 16, 1985 in Santa Ana, El Salvador, where she was adopted by her loving parents, Gary K and Suzanne Roper LeBaron. and brought home to Layton, Utah, along with three of her new siblings.

From the beginning, Tawnee had a playful spirit and a smile that could light up a room. Her love of fun and mischief was as much a part of her as was her big brown eyes, her imagination, and creative ideas to try to make the impossible happen.

She had a special love for babies and little children (sometimes bigger than she was), eagerly taking them under her wing to be comforted, fed, and entertained. As an aunt, whenever family gathered, she would quickly scoop up the little ones and spend time entertaining and spoiling them, plying them with treats. She believed childhood should be filled with fun, laughter and happy memories.

Tawnee loved all family occasions–Sunday dinners, reunions, parties, and get-togethers of any kind. She put 100% plus, of herself, into the planning and carrying out of the activities. Her creativity, planning, imagination and ideas for games, crafts and activities for every age or occasion made any party or reunion she was involved with an extravaganza of never-ending fun and prizes.

She had a killer instinct when it came to games, where she played ruthlessly and took no prisoners. Sometimes extra rules had to be implemented so that she could get willing participants to join her in a card game. Her daughters report she had an “unhealthy” obsession with WWE, enjoyed Hockey games, and Patriots football; as well as supporting any sport, ballroom dancing, swimming or other activity the girls participated in.

Tawnee was blessed with a great husband, Steven Thomas Garrick, who willingly assisted her with her projects and supported her dreams. Her joy with children continued on with her own girls, who, with Steve, were the center of her world and she dedicated herself wholeheartedly to them. She enjoyed dressing the girls, sometimes all alike, and using her talent to make any hairstyle they wanted to wear, including braids of every kind.

Tawnee faced many struggles and health challenges throughout her life. Though she did not like the spotlight, she would move mountains to do anything for you. Even if she wasn’t physically capable, she would try and figure out something. While her journey was not always easy, she attempted to persevere through immeasurable obstacles to attend simple family events. She showed resilience through difficult times. She lived for, and never stopped loving her family.

Tawnee was thoughtful and generous with those she loved–anything from taking chocolate-dipped strawberries to friends and neighbors, to taking her mother to a Neil Diamond concert, to lining up a camping trip with food, tents and entertainment for her whole family. Her life was centered on love, family, and creating lasting memories with those she cherished most.

Tawnee is survived by her husband: Steven T. Garrick; their children: Madelynn Marie, Abigail Ann, and Malloy London Garrick; her parents: Gary K and Suzanne R. LeBaron; siblings: Brandi (Carter) Svedin, Marlayna (Tim) London, Sean (Jill) LeBaron, Michael (Katrina) LeBaron, and Daniel (Jodie) LeBaron. She is preceded in death by sister: Angelique; brother: Nathan; grandparents: Melvin J and Ann Roper, George L. and Blanche T. LeBaron, and nephew: Rylee Ferari.

A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, June 27, at 11:00 am, at the Oak City Cemetery. A Viewing will be held, 9:30-10:40 am, at the Oak City LDS Church, 35 East Center St, before traveling to the cemetery. Those unable to attend in person may view the recorded video of the service. Link will be posted with her obituary at www.nicklemortuary.com following the conclusion of the service.