Born on January 24, 1953, in Bakersfield, California, to Bill and Gwen Easton, Tacha was the second of four children. She grew up on a ranch, riding horses, taking care of farm animals, and going on cattle drives with her father. This cowgirl life earned her the nickname "Annie Oakley" growing up. Those experiences instilled in her a strength, resilience, and love of the outdoors that remained with her throughout her life.
Tacha met the love of her life, Gary Clark, in their hometown of Bakersfield. Their first date was an evening at Disneyland, where he proposed to her three years later. His California surfer and beach lifestyle was a stark contrast to her ranch-raised cowgirl roots. Their unlikely pairing became a favorite family story, especially the day Tacha surprised Gary's parents by driving up on her father's motorcycle, which was entirely too big for her to ride.
Tacha and Gary were sealed in the Los Angeles California Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 25, 1974. Their early years together were filled with adventure, hard work, and the joyful challenge of raising three young children. Along the way, they designed and built three family homes with their own hands, pouring countless hours of labor, craftsmanship, and love into each one. Tacha embraced every season of life with energy and enthusiasm. She managed a busy household and supported her children's many activities but still found time for her own pursuits, including playing goalkeeper in a women's soccer league.
Tacha and Gary raised their family in Washington State, where Tacha worked in school food services and found great joy in the children she served each day. The job demanded early mornings, long hours, and plenty of hard work, but she approached it with dedication and a caring heart. As a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Tacha built her life on a foundation of faith and service. She served faithfully in many callings, especially enjoying opportunities to work with Young Women. From Girls Camp to backpacking adventures in the mountains, she loved sharing her passion for the outdoors while encouraging confidence, resilience, and friendship in those around her. Later in life, Tacha and Gary were called to serve as missionaries in Cincinnati, Ohio, an experience that reflected her lifelong love of the Savior and commitment to serving others. Her unwavering faith was a source of strength and comfort throughout her life and remains a lasting legacy to her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her.
Tacha found joy in life's simple pleasures—a great Western movie, black licorice, and watching sunsets at the beach. Above all else, her greatest treasure in life was family. She delighted in supporting her grandchildren and their many activities, celebrating their accomplishments, and creating lasting memories with them. Tacha had a remarkable gift for remembering the little details that made people feel loved. Whether through a handwritten letter, a thoughtful thank-you note, or a heartfelt text message, she made each person feel seen, valued, and special. Receiving a message from "Nana" was a cherished reminder of her love, encouragement, and unwavering devotion to her family.
Though her earthly journey has come to an end, her family finds comfort in the eternal truths she cherished and taught. They rejoice in the knowledge that through Jesus Christ, families can be together forever.
Tacha is survived by her loving husband, Gary Clark; her children, Tiana (James) Wolfley, Tyler (April) Clark, and Traci (Scotland) Hammond; her 10 grandchildren; her two great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends who will miss her dearly. In lieu of flowers, her family invites you to honor her memory by giving extra hugs and expressing your love to family members often. You never know what tomorrow will hold.
Dieter F. Uchtdorf: "The more we learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ, the more we realize that endings here in mortality are not endings at all. They are merely interruptions—temporary pauses that will one day seem small compared to the eternal joy awaiting the faithful."
May her memory be a blessing, and may her example continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Battle Ground Building, 14809 NE 259th St., Battle Ground, WA 98604.
