Thora Hough

Thora Smith Hough, our wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on Thursday, May 26, 2016 after a long illness.  Dementia may have robbed her of her memories, but we continued to be blessed by glimpses of her sense of humor, enjoyment of nature and family, and her quick wit.

Thora was born in Preston, Idaho on September 19, 1924 to Kenneth and Gracie Kate Smith. She graduated from Pocatello High School and later attended Idaho State College where she was active in her sorority and other organizations. She later became the head secretary to the Mayor of Pocatello, a position that was a source of great pride. While employed by the mayor, she met her future husband, Cecil L. Hough. They were married on March 23, 1949, and they enjoyed over 67 years together.

Cecil and Thora later moved to Utah, initially residing in Clearfield and Roy before building their permanent home in Kaysville. Thora had a passion for learning and art, and this was reflected in her devotion and service to the arts community. She was involved in the AFS program for many years, where she served as a point of contact for many foreign exchange students and their families. She served as chairman of The Fine Arts Committee of the Kaysville Civic Association, a position that enabled her to bring many prominent exhibits to the city. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and she enjoyed serving in many capacities.

Most important to Thora was her love of and commitment to family. She willingly put her community activities on hold when she was asked to raise her young granddaughter Rachelle, a responsibility that she fulfilled with dedication and tenderness. She loved when her adult children would come home for visits, and she enjoyed being around her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Christmas Eve was always a favorite time for Thora as the entire family gathered at her home to celebrate the holiday. Her loss leaves a huge void in our lives, but we are thankful that she is finally free from her pain and frustrations. The family wishes to send a special thank you to her caregiver Joyce whose tender care of Thora over the past two years is deeply appreciated.

Thora is survived by her husband, Cecil; three children: Richard (Debbie) Hough, Jim (Linda) Hough, and Janet Hough (Tracy Foster), as well as seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren (with two on the way), her brother, Norman Smith, and many others whose lives she touched. She was preceded in death by her parents, two siblings, and her oldest daughter Connie.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at Lindquist’s Kaysville Mortuary, 400 N. Main. Friends may visit with family from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. prior to the service.  Interment, Kaysville City Cemetery, 500 E. Crestwood Rd.